Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Chaos as Kara Bridge Repairs Drag On

The two-week repair work on the Kara Bridge expansion joints began on September 8, 2026, and has already caused hours-long traffic jams, leaving motorists and commuters stranded.

The Federal Government had previously postponed the project after public protests over the short notice.

A Two-Week Nightmare

ValidViewNetwork gathered that motorists and commuters plying the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway are groaning under the weight of severe gridlock as the Federal Government begins replacement of damaged expansion joints on the Kara Bridge.

The rehabilitation began on September 8, 2026, with one half of the affected section closed at a time while traffic uses the other half interchangeably.

The project is expected to run until September 22, 2026.

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A Project Born of Necessity

The Federal Government had earlier announced the repairs after determining that the damaged expansion joints on the Kara–Berger Bridge section of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway needed urgent replacement.

The project was initially scheduled to begin in August 2026 but was postponed after public protests over the short notice and the need for better traffic management.

Hours of Stranded Commuters

The two-week repair works have already triggered heavy gridlock, leaving motorists stranded for several hours.

Commuters have reported spending up to four hours on what should be a shorter journey, with the gridlock extending to surrounding roads.

The repair work involves replacing damaged expansion joints on the bridge, a critical infrastructure component that ensures the safety and durability of the structure.

A Lesson for Nigeria

The Kara Bridge repairs are a reminder that infrastructure maintenance is essential but poorly planned in Nigeria.

For Nigeria, the lesson is clear: proper planning prevents chaos. The same leaders who announce projects without adequate traffic management will never allow their own children to bear the burden of their incompetence.

Demand better planning. Hold leaders accountable. And never forget that infrastructure is not just about building, it is about maintaining.