The Federal Government is currently weighing options for the revamp of the ageing Carter Bridge in Lagos, where several engineering issues have been flagged.
The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, stated this recently, noting that the bridge was a major link between Lagos Island and the mainland.
Speaking after an on-the-spot assessment visit to the site of the bridge in Lagos alongside engineers from his ministry recently, the minister, who expressed worries at the state of the major carriageway, described the condition of the bridge as dangerous, adding that it required urgent attention.
According to him, the Federal Government was currently reviewing a proposal to either replace the bridge with an N320 bn cable-stayed structure, considered a more durable and cost-effective alternative, or embark on full-scale repairs of the bridge with N380 bn required.
Umahi said, “Julius Berger has completed 80 per cent of the above-water repairs, but investigations uncovered severe underwater damage, corroded piles, and detached caps, which have, over time, weakened the structural elements of the bridge, similar to what led to truck movement restrictions on the Third Mainland Bridge.
“Only two firms have submitted proposals for the ongoing bridge rehabilitation projects in Lagos: BuildWell for the Third Mainland Bridge and Julius Berger for Carter Bridge. The government is currently reviewing both proposals and will forward its recommendations to the President for final approval.
He noted that the ministry was reviewing proposals from Julius Berger and will submit its recommendations to President Bola Tinubu once assessments are completed, noting that past assessments in 2012 and 2019 flagged these issues.
The minister disclosed that a new bridge could last over 100 years and still cost less than the planned rehabilitation.
According to the minister, the collaborative approach employed by the new management of Julius Berger towards issues management was commendable and very helpful in the ministry’s relationship with Julius Berger.
Commending Julius Berger for demonstrating a sense of cooperation under its new leadership, the minister added, “Julius Berger quoted for the project, I think, N27 bn or thereabouts, but after much negotiation and discussion, we now arrived at N17 bn.”
Acknowledging that the extent of the underwater damage to the Carter Bridge was significant, the Regional Technical Manager, Region West of Julius Berger, Thomas Christl, said the company began work on the Carter Bridge in 2024, focusing on handrails and pile caps above water.
The current contract, he added, does not cover the full scope of restoration needed.
“After our investigations, we suggested that a full replacement might be better. A new bridge will last up to 100 years, and international investors are ready to help finance it,” the Regional Manager added.
