FG, Julius Berger to Tackle Third Mainland Bridge Defects with....

Samuel Mobolaji

The Federal Government, in collaboration with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, is sending a team of Nigerian structural engineers to Germany to evaluate a new design aimed at resolving critical structural challenges affecting the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos.

Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, announced the initiative during an inspection of the bridge on Sunday.

He disclosed that four engineers from the Federal Ministry of Works would travel to Germany to work alongside Julius Berger’s design team in reviewing engineering solutions to address deflection problems, particularly those affecting articulated vehicle traffic.

According to the minister, the bridge has experienced significant structural deflection—an abnormal downward bend of its slab—prompting restrictions on heavy-duty vehicles.

He stated that Julius Berger had proposed a new design to tackle the issue and requested that federal engineers join its team in Germany for a comprehensive technical assessment.

“The slab on the Third Mainland Bridge has shown noticeable deflection, which led to the closure for articulated vehicles. Julius Berger insists on a new design to correct this and wants our engineers to evaluate it collaboratively,” Umahi said.

He emphasised that the review is not just to examine technical fixes but also to determine the practicality of restoring the bridge’s long-term integrity. As the busiest bridge in Nigeria and a vital artery linking Lagos Island to the mainland, the minister stressed the urgent need to complete ongoing rehabilitation works to avoid further traffic disruptions.

The minister also addressed the situation at the Eko Bridge, which sustained damage from a dredging operation. He assured the public that safety measures are in place and that the government is working with reputable engineering firms, including Julius Berger, to expedite repairs.

Project Coordinator for Build Well, Mr Ghassan Kaadi, reported that rehabilitation work on the Eko Bridge is already 75 per cent complete, with progress on expansion joints and the installation of solar lighting systems.

Julius Berger’s Regional Manager, Thomas Christ, also reaffirmed the company’s commitment to resolving structural issues not only on the Third Mainland Bridge but also on the Carter Bridge, in partnership with the Ministry of Works.

The move to Germany is expected to enhance the quality and safety of infrastructure solutions for the Third Mainland Bridge, with long-term implications for road safety and transport efficiency across Lagos.