Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun appeal for patience as Kara Bridge gridlock worsens

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his Ogun State counterpart, Dapo Abiodun, have appealed to motorists to be patient as traffic remains heavy around Kara Bridge and parts of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The appeal came after hours of gridlock on the route, which left many commuters stranded on Tuesday night.

PREMIUM TIMES had reported that traffic was also heavy around Omole, Isheri and Ojodu Berger, with motorists spending hours on the road.

Mr Sanwo-Olu, in a post on Facebook on Wednesday, stated that he understood the frustration of Lagos residents trying to leave the state and those travelling to different parts of the city.

“I understand the frustration of Lagosians commuting out of Lagos and those going to their various destinations within the city, following a multiple accident involving trucks at Kara Bridge,” he said.

He explained that the situation was made worse by the repair work being carried out on the bridge.

According to him, LASTMA officials, emergency response teams, security agencies and other traffic management personnel had been deployed to the area.

“Our LASTMA officials, emergency response teams, security agencies and other traffic management teams are on the ground working to ease congestion and keep traffic moving,” he noted.

Mr Sanwo-Olu said the repair work was expected to last about two weeks and that traffic would be managed on the available section of the bridge while the work continued.

He asked motorists to obey traffic officials and make alternative travel plans where possible.

“I appeal to all motorists to please be patient, obey the directions of traffic officials and plan their journeys where possible.

“Most importantly, we feel your pain. Please, stay safe,” he said.

Abiodun asks motorists to cooperate

Separately, in a statement seen by PREMIUM TIMES, Mr Abiodun said the government had taken note of the traffic situation around Kara Bridge and adjoining parts of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

He stated that TRACE personnel had been deployed to work with security, emergency and traffic management agencies in the area.

READ ALSO: Gridlock strands motorists on Lateef Jakande Road, Isheri, Berger

“TRACE personnel are working with relevant security, emergency and traffic management agencies to clear obstructions, prevent further gridlock and improve movement along the affected axis,” he said.

Mr Abiodun urged motorists not to drive against traffic or create additional lanes, saying such actions could make the situation worse and delay emergency operations.

He also appealed to commercial drivers and operators of articulated vehicles to follow the instructions of traffic officials.

“Our immediate priority is to protect lives, maintain order and reduce the inconvenience being experienced by commuters,” he stated.

Mr Abiodun noted that the state government would continue to monitor the situation and provide personnel and resources until traffic flow returned to normal.