Yemisi Izuora
The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Mr Olukayode Popoola, on Friday, January 8, advised the public to stop using the Airport Road Flyover in Lagos which was dangerously burnt by fire.
The warning is to avert any accident pending the determination of its structural safety.
The bridge which runs over Toyota Bus Stop on the Apapa-Oshodi-Ojota-Oworonshoki Expressway was engulfed by fire when a petrol tanker burst into flames on Thursday.
The Federal and Lagos State governments on Friday carried out a joint inspection to know the extent of damage to the bridge and adjoining roads.
Leading the state and federal officials, Popoola raised concerns over the safety of the bridge, saying that its structural integrity had yet to be ascertained.
He stated during the inspection that samples were being taken from the burnt bridge for analysis to be able to ascertain the level of damage and where to carry out repairs.
Popoola said that 200 meters of the rigid pavement of the Apapa-Oshodi-Ojota-Oworonshoki Expressway reconstruction project, being carried by the Dangote Group was burnt.
He added that the deck of the flyover was burnt and its pier badly damaged, raising fears of the structural instability of the bridge.
The Controller, said that the bridge was barricaded after the fire because of safety concerns; regretting that the barriers were removed at night.
Popoola warned that there would be risks in using the bridge.
“We are taking some samples to go and analyse before we know the structural stability; but physically, a lot of damage has been done to this pier of the bridge.
“Its integrity is already compromised.
“Yesterday, the road was barricaded but in the night; some people went and removed the barricade.
“We are advising that members of the public should not take the risk of using this bridge,” he said.
Popoola said that about 200 meters of the bridge deck; as well as the pavement of Apapa-Oshodi-Ojota-Oworonshoki Expressway being reconstructed, was affected by the inferno.
He added that one of the piers – pillars of the bridge – was badly burnt; making the ministry unsure of the structural integrity and safety of the bridge.
He said that outcome of tests would ensure appropriate action on the flyover constructed by Julius Berger Plc, as well as the highway under reconstruction by the Dangote Group.
According to the Controller, the Federal Highway Act empowers the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing; to prosecute whoever caused damage to assets of the Federal Government.
“This Apapa-Oshodi-Ojota-Oworonshoki Expressway project is ongoing; and we have not even completed it. Now, due to the carelessness of drivers, this fire occurred, and you can see the level of damage.
“The pavement that we have spent a lot of money, up to 200 meters – have been affected; that will cost a lot of money,” he said.
Popoola noted that the ministry had been working in collaboration with Lagos State Government; to tackle trucks’ menace and other infractions affecting road infrastructure.