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Sanwo-Olu Flags Off Reconstruction Of Ibeju Lekki-Epe Expressway
Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has signalled the commencement of the reconstruction of Eti Osa-Lekki-Epe Expressway. Ibeju Lekki-Epe Expressway
Sanwo-Olu was quoted in the statement as saying that the first phase of the road construction, which would be completed in 20 months, would cover 18.75 kilometres, stretching from Eleko to T-Junction in Epe.
The Governor flagged off the first phase of the road project on Sunday. The ceremony held at the Pan African University in Eleko, Ibeju Lekki area. The first phase, which will be completed in 20 months. It will cover 18.75 kilometres, stretching from Eleko to T-Junction in Epe.
The residents, who heaved a sigh of relief, thronged the ceremony where Sanwo-Olu formally kick started the project.
The road was constructed in 1981 as a single carriageway, but underwent an upgrade to a two-lane carriageway in 2006. Its condition, however, became deplorable as a result of population growth and increased vehicular traffic.
Sanwo-Olu’s intervention would see the entire stretch from Eleko to Epe dualised on rigid pavement. There will be three lanes on each side. A lane on each side will be dedicated as toll weighbridges only for heavy-duty vehicles.
The Governor said the ceremony symbolised his administration’s revolutionary efforts. He said it will make life better for Lagos citizens and improving the ease of doing business in the State. Ibeju Lekki-Epe Expressway
He said the Eti Osa-Lekki-Epe corridor was strategically important to the State’s economic prosperity, stressing that the completion of the project would further strengthen his administration’s commitment to inclusive development.
The Governor vowed that no part of Lagos would be left behind in his Government’s quest for transformational projects
He said: “We recognise the importance of the Eti-Osa-Lekki-Epe Expressway Road to the economic prosperity of Lagos and its citizens. We are aware of the agitation and concerns of people about this strategic infrastructure.
This is why we initially declared a state of emergency on the road. It was done to place temporary measures last year November.
“Today, I am delighted to be at the historic flag-off of the rehabilitation and upgrading ofthe road. The Eti Osa-Lekki-Epe Expressway is 40-year-old. Ibeju Lekki-Epe Expressway
This effort will culminate in a three-lane dual carriageway. It will be a reinforced concrete pavement road. It will have a dedicated lane in each direction for trucks. Also, it will have a rigid pavement to accommodate the envisaged axle loadings expected to ply the road when it is completed.
“When completed, this road will complement the new network of roads in Epe and ease transportation of goods and services through Epe to other neighboring states. This will, in turn, lead to improved socio-economic activities in the Eti Osa-Lekki-Epe Corridor.
”Sanwo-Olu said the contract for the second phase of the project, which will cover 26.7 kilometres from Abraham Adesanya Roundabout to Eleko Junction, will be awarded before the completion of the first phase.
The project, he said, sent a “strong signal” about his administration’s desire to overhaul our state’s entire infrastructure, especially those that have exceeded their design lifespan.
”Sanwo-Olu urged residents of the area to take ownership of the project and support the contractor for timely completion. He also urged the youths in the area to take advantage of the construction work to improve their skills.
This Project will help to resolve the gridlock at Ajah/Ado-Badore Roundabout and environs while ensuring the Lagos bound traffic is effectively channeled.
”Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Olujimi Hotonu, said the State Government settled for the rigid pavement option for durability and longer life span of about 40 years.
When completed, the road will connect several communities, including Eleko, Onosa, Alatishe, Aiyeteju, Ajaganagbe, Oko Orisa, ilasan, Lekki, Ibeju Lekki and Epe.
