The Federal Government yesterday gave reasons for approving and providing N21,047,430,431.71 for the rehabilitation of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos.
It said the money would accommodate the additional works and the quantities of materials needed to restore the integrity and serviceability of the bridge.
Works Minister David Umahi gave the explanation while kicking off the emergency repairs of the damaged elements of the popular bridge, including its loops and ramps.
The minister said the scope of work to be covered by the contract includes milling of the existing asphaltic surface, provision of asphaltic concrete wearing course on the carriageway across the bridge’s length, and ramps to a compacted thickness of 50 milimetre (mm), removal as well as the replacement of worn-out expansion joints on the carriageway.
Others are: the removal of existing guard rails and installation of new ones; painting of guardrails, kerb surface and concrete barriers; lane marking using thermoplastic material; and installation of solar-powered street lights for proper illumination.
Umahi said the project, when completed, would ameliorate the sufferings of commuters and other road users who ply the bridge with a lot of discomfort.
The minister explained that in a bid to remedy the failed asphaltic surface and expansion joints of the bridge, the past administration awarded a contract for the comprehensive repairs of the loops and ramps connecting the bridge.
