FG okays construction of new Carter Bridge in Lagos

The Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government has officially handed over the construction of a new Carter Bridge in Lagos to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).

The announcement was made by Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, during a handover ceremony at Carter Bridge, Lagos Island, on Wednesday.

The minister said the project is part of the federal government’s efforts to protect critical infrastructure and ensure public safety.

According to him, structural investigations carried out over the years revealed worsening defects beneath Carter Bridge and the Third Mainland Bridge.

His words: “The past administration commissioned investigation of what was happening with the structural elements below the water, and that was in 2013. And the very disturbing defects were noticed in Carter Bridge and 3rd Mainland Bridge.”

Umahi said another assessment conducted in 2019 showed that the defects had worsened, adding that the current administration engaged geologists and specialist divers after assuming office.

The minister said the findings confirmed that some piles supporting the bridges had shifted from their pile caps.

Umahi said consultations were held with bridge experts, lawmakers and foreign professionals before the government decided to construct a new bridge.

According to him, experts advised that repairing the bridge would cost almost twice the amount needed for a new structure.

“We decided that a section of this Carter Bridge will be a cable bridge. You see the cable bridge we see overseas, very beautiful, and that is to enhance our navigational activities.

“So we are here to commend the president, president of first, president of infrastructure, the president of second tenure,” he said.

According to him, the federal government will provide 30 percent of the funding, while 70 percent will be sourced externally.

He said seven firms were invited to bid for the project, while six submitted bids, including Julius Berger.

“The CECC was technically and commercially most viable. And that’s why the BPP recommended them and the Federal Executive Council has awarded the project to them,” he said.

The minister directed CCECC to immediately mobilise to site, adding that one carriageway of Eko Bridge would be shut down on Sunday as part of ongoing infrastructure works.