The Lagos State Government has appealed to motorists to remain patient as severe traffic congestion persists on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway following a fallen truck and ongoing rehabilitation works at the Kara Bridge.
The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Olawale Musa, said the fallen tanker had been evacuated by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), but noted that the situation was further aggravated by motorists driving against traffic.
Musa said additional traffic officers had been deployed along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway axis to improve traffic management and ease the congestion.
He added that the ministry was working with relevant stakeholders, including the Lagos and Ogun State Police Commands, Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE), and LASTMA, to restore smoother traffic flow.
According to him, the ongoing rehabilitation of Kara Bridge may cause temporary inconvenience to motorists, but the project remains necessary to preserve critical transport infrastructure and ensure the long-term safety, functionality and resilience of the corridor.
He assured motorists that the rehabilitation work would be completed soon.
Also speaking, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said LASTMA personnel had been working round the clock to manage the situation and facilitate smoother movement.
Bakare-Oki urged motorists to remain patient and desist from driving against traffic whenever there is an obstruction on the road, warning that such actions could further worsen congestion and create additional safety risks.
He said LASTMA would continue its public advocacy campaigns to encourage voluntary compliance with traffic regulations.
The LASTMA boss also advised motorists to consider alternative routes to reduce pressure on the Kara Bridge corridor.
He listed the Ikorodu Garage–Ogijo–Sagamu route, connecting through Lotto to the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, as one alternative for motorists.
Motorists travelling towards Lagos and adjoining destinations, he said, could also consider the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, while those heading towards Ijebu-Ode could use the Ikorodu–Ijebu-Ode route.
The state government urged motorists to plan their journeys ahead, familiarise themselves with alternative routes and obey the directives of accredited traffic management personnel.
Motorists can also call 3367 to report traffic-related issues for prompt intervention.