The Lagos State Government has announced traffic diversions on Independence Bridge on Lagos Island as the Federal Ministry of Works prepares to carry out urgent asphalt repairs from Friday, October 16, to Sunday, October 18, 2026.
The repairs are expected to affect motorists travelling through the bridge in both directions, with temporary lane closures planned to allow the work to proceed. In a traffic advisory issued by the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, the government said the repairs would begin on Friday night and continue throughout Saturday and Sunday.
“The Lagos State Government wishes to inform the public that traffic will be diverted on the Independence Bridge in Lagos Island as the Federal Ministry of works commences urgent repairs of the bridge,” the statement said.
The government explained that the asphalt work would take place on both the inbound and outbound sections of the bridge. However, the traffic management plan would allow motorists to continue using the crossing while repairs are underway. According to the advisory, each section of the bridge would be partially closed in stages, with one lane remaining open to enable vehicles to reach their destinations.
“Traffic management plans to help motorists navigate their movement during the repair works on the inbound and outbound lanes of the bridge include partial closure of each section at a time with a lane opened for motorists to access their destinations.”
The arrangement is intended to maintain some level of traffic movement throughout the repair period, although motorists may experience delays as available road space becomes limited. The state government advised road users to plan their journeys ahead of time and consider alternative routes to avoid unnecessary delays. Motorists travelling through Lagos Island and surrounding areas were also urged to allow extra time for their trips.
“Motorists are urged to plan their movement and make use of alternative routes to connect their desired destinations for the duration of the repairs,” the statement added.
To manage traffic around the affected sections, officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) will be deployed to direct vehicles and reduce disruptions.
“Officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) will be on the ground to manage the movement of vehicles and minimize inconveniences.”
The commissioner also appealed to motorists to cooperate with traffic officials and follow instructions throughout the exercise.
“Motorists are implored to remain patient, obey traffic laws, and cooperate fully with the interventions made available,” the statement said.
The repair exercise is scheduled to end on Sunday, October 18, although the advisory did not specify the exact time the work would be completed or when normal traffic movement would resume. Motorists using Independence Bridge over the weekend are therefore advised to check their travel plans before setting out and follow directions from traffic officials at the site.
The government has not listed specific alternative routes in the advisory, making it important for road users to identify suitable routes before travelling through the affected area.
