The construction of the 700km Lagos-Calabar coastal road has been initiated by the FG.

Announced on Thursday by the Federal Government, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, shared that the construction of the 700km Lagos-Calabar coastal highway has begun. This update was revealed in a statement released by his special media adviser, Orji Uchenna, in Abuja.

After one week of gaining approval from the Federal Executive Council for a N1.067 trillion contract for the initial phase of the highway construction, Umahi addressed reporters during the council meeting. He described the 47.47km dual carriageway with five lanes on both sides and a railway track in the center. Umahi elaborated that this section is part of a 700km road that crosses nine states, featuring two spurs heading north. He highlighted that the project would utilize concrete as its primary construction material.

The highway, built with concrete technology, will originate from Lagos and extend through the nine coastal states, reaching up to Cross Rivers. It will pass through Lagos, the Lekki Deep Seaport, Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom.

Initially designed as a public-private partnership, funding challenges on the contractor's end led to the Minister seeking approval from the executive council to proceed with the contract award.

In efforts to expedite the project, the Minister engaged in discussions with the African Development Bank on potential financing solutions. The dedicated contractor commenced the project following the official handover of the initial 47.47 kilometers dual carriageway section to Hitech Construction Company Ltd.

Accompanied by Engr. Olukorede Keisha, the Federal Ministry of Works’ Controller for Lagos State, Umahi emphasized the importance of timely project completion by contractors handling Federal Government road projects. He praised Hitech Construction Company Nigeria Ltd. for their established reputation for quality and efficient project delivery. Noting their prompt commencement on the project after securing the contract, Umahi highlighted their progress in filling 1.3 kilometers within a short period, indicative of their commitment to swift execution.

The project was awarded to them within a few weeks, and they promptly mobilized a substantial amount of dredging equipment. The visible progress includes the successful recovery of 1.3 kilometers of section one of the project phase.

In a recent visit to project sites, the former Governor of Ebonyi State observed the rehabilitation efforts at key locations in Lagos, such as Queen’s Drive Ikoyi, the top deck of the Third Mainland Bridge, the underwater areas, as well as the Eko Bridge and Carter Bridge. He highlighted the Federal Government's commitment to undertaking a comprehensive renovation of these bridges, which serve as vital connections between Lagos mainland and island, the country's economic center. The scope of repairs encompasses not only the bridges' surface but also the substructure.

Specifically focusing on the Third Mainland Bridge, the Governor outlined essential rehabilitation components, starting with the 11-kilometer deck that includes dual carriageways and ramps. The work on the deck, handled by CCECC, is nearly complete with finishing touches like asphalt milling and laying scheduled for completion by the end of March. In addition to these activities, plans are in place to install guardrails, replace conventional lighting with solar-powered alternatives, introduce decorative lighting, and deploy CCTV cameras for enhanced security against unauthorized activities like sand mining, which pose risks to the bridge's foundation elements.

The next major aspect involves addressing deflected sections of the slab. A specialized expert has been engaged to assess the extent of deflection and propose remedial measures. The process will involve carefully opening the slabs, examining the tendons, making necessary adjustments, and reinstating the slab's structural integrity, following a successful execution of a similar procedure at the Eko Bridge by Buildwell.

Appreciating the ongoing efforts of Julius Berger Nigeria Ltd., especially in restoring deteriorated piers and pier caps, the Governor singled out the critical importance of addressing issues related to piles, which he personally inspected and identified as central to the overall renovation work.