The Federal Government has announced plans to demolish the historic Carter Bridge in Lagos, declaring the 124-year-old structure structurally unfit and beyond repair.
Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, disclosed this on Wednesday, September 10, during an inspection of the bridge’s underdeck. He revealed that technical reports from Julius Berger Plc and other consultants confirmed that both the main axial section and ramps of the bridge had failed integrity tests.
“What we did today is to see whether we can salvage the ramps so that we cut down the cost of construction and the time of construction. But if the observations sent to us are correct, it means that both the ramp and the main axial section of the Carter Bridge will have to go,” Umahi said.
Commissioned in 1901 as the first bridge linking Lagos Island to the mainland, Carter Bridge has undergone several reconstructions but remains a vital artery for millions of commuters and traders daily.
Umahi stressed that while the government will independently verify the technical reports, all stakeholders agreed a new bridge is urgently needed. He added that remnants of the original bridge, demolished with explosives decades ago, still disrupt navigation and would have to be cleared before new works begin.
The minister assured that ongoing discussions will determine if any component of the current bridge can be preserved, but safety and long-term sustainability will guide the final decision.