“Although this bridge is iconic in many respects such as its architectural design and civil engineering complexity, these were only secondary objectives,” he said. “The primary objective in its conception and delivery was to provide a transport infrastructure and a strategic traffic management solution aimed at easing traffic congestion in this area.”
He said that the earlier opening of the Okota Link Bridge had demonstrated the benefits a new bridge could bring. Similar work was being undertaken in Agiliti “to connect communities that have been separated by water for forever” and in the Ajao-Ejigbo and Isheri-Ijegun-Isolo areas.
The state has many small islands and the only connections had been by water, largely through canoes. It was not until around 1901 that governor Gilbert Thomas Carter built the first bridge in Lagos, he said.
He added that there is a compelling need for a 4th Mainland Bridge and possibly a 5th and 6th Bridge and expanded ferry. “We are still working ceaselessly to start the commencement of the 4th Mainland Bridge,” he said.
