Gridlock on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway over Berger Bridge

Motorists plying the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway have expressed frustration as the traffic congestion on the long bridge continued on Monday.Our correspondent noticed on Monday, that the cause of the problem was a section of the bridge near Berger area of Lagos State, which is being repaired by the roads concessionaire, BiCourtney Highway Services.It takes a vehicle at least one hour to move from one end of the five-kilometre bridge to the other.It was noticed that vehicles trying to avoid a ditch on site, slowed the traffic down.A commercial bus driver, Ore Bosunde, told our correspondent that the congestion could be compared to when one of the religious organisations on the expressway was holding a programme.I spent at least an hour on the bridge yesterday (Sunday), he said.Another motorist, who identified himself simply as Joshua, said, I passed through the traffic in the morning; the situation was not as serious as this afternoon.You can also see that some drivers try to manoeuvre their way out of the traffic, and they compound the problem.The gridlock took its toll on vehicles, as many of them broke down, thereby worsening the situation. Many hapless passengers had no choice than to disembark from their vehicles and trek.Hawkers took the opportunity to make brisk business by selling bottled drinks, plantain chips and sausage rolls.However, BiCourtneys spokesperson, Mr. Dipo Kehinde, said, We are carrying out an expansion of the road but we need to fill the portholes first. We all know that there is no way a construction will take place and there will not be some form of constraints.Normally, we are supposed to close up the road for some hours during the duration of the work, but that will further worsen the situation. That is why our workers have been carrying out the work at night.So, when you dont see them working there in the afternoon, it is not like they abandoned the road the way it is.
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