By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Lagos State Government has ordered the full closure of the Epe-bound carriageway of the Lekki–Ajah Expressway to facilitate major rehabilitation works along the corridor.
The directive, announced by the Ministry of Transportation in a press statement signed by the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, affects the stretch from Admiralty Way Junction to Jubilee Bridge, Ajah.
The closure is designed to enable uninterrupted construction on the busy expressway, with traffic to be diverted to the Lagos-bound carriageway under a structured lane management system.
According to the statement, traffic flow will be adjusted based on peak periods to minimise disruption. During the morning peak hours between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., two lanes will serve Lagos-bound vehicles, while one lane will accommodate traffic heading toward Epe.
Conversely, from 3:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m., two lanes will be allocated to Epe-bound vehicles, with one lane reserved for Lagos-bound motorists.
Osiyemi explained that the traffic arrangement was necessary to ensure steady progress on the rehabilitation project while maintaining vehicular movement along the corridor.
He advised motorists to use the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road as an alternative route during the period of construction.
To manage traffic effectively, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other traffic personnel will be deployed along the affected corridor. In addition, a tow truck will be stationed within the axis to promptly respond to vehicle breakdowns and emergencies.
The statement further disclosed that night-time operations will involve partial closures and restricted vehicular movement at key intersections, including Admiralty Way, Maruwa, Freedom Way, Chisco, Jakande, Igbo-Efon, Chevron, Lekki Conservation Toll Plaza to VGC, and VGC to Jubilee Bridge.
Full closures will be enforced for eight hours at night during asphalt-laying operations to ensure safety and quality delivery.
The rehabilitation will be executed in phased segments along the Epe-bound carriageway.
The Lekki Admiralty Way Junction to Maruwa section is scheduled for seven days; Maruwa to Freedom Way, six days; Freedom Way to Chisco, five days; Chisco to Jakande, nine days; Jakande to Igbo-Efon, eight days; Igbo-Efon to Chevron, six days; Chevron to Lekki Conservation Toll Plaza, five days; Lekki Conservation Toll Plaza to VGC U-Turn, 13 days; and VGC U-Turn to Jubilee Bridge, five days.
Similar phased rehabilitation works will also be undertaken on the Lagos-bound carriageway.
The government noted that the new arrangement follows the successful completion of the Chevron to Admiralty Way stretch on the Lagos-bound carriageway.
While urging motorists to cooperate with traffic officials, Osiyemi appealed to road users to adhere strictly to diversion signage and plan their journeys accordingly. He added that updates would be provided as the project progresses.
