Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has attributed the delay in opening the Opebi-Odo Iya Alaro Bridge to the installation of a 25-metre steel monument designed to reflect the cultural heritage of the area.
Sanwo-Olu spoke during an unscheduled inspection visit to the bridge to ascertain the progress of the installation being handled by Julius Berger Plc.
The governor explained that the monument was not part of the original bridge design but was introduced towards the final stage of construction.
He said this delayed the opening earlier projected for the end of September.
Sanwo-Olu also said the monument was conceived to preserve the history of the area as a cane market with four steel structures representing the hands involved in cane weaving.
According to him the installation involved about 300 tonnes of steel and stands approximately 25 metres high.
The governor announced that the installation was 80 per cent complete with three of the four steel components already assembled and installed.
Work on the final component he said would begin before the completion of other proposed features.
Sanwo-Olu urged the residents to exercise patience assuring them that the government would not compromise safety in its efforts to deliver the project.
The governor acknowledged that the bridge had missed its earlier opening target adding that the additional time was necessary to ensure the monument was safely installed before the facility was opened to traffic.
He hailed officials of the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure as well as construction workers for their efforts urging them to accelerate work on the outstanding components.
Sanwo-Olu added that the bridge would ease movement for motorists and improve connectivity along the corridor.
He added that the monument could transform the location into a destination for recreation tourism and cultural appreciation.
The governor assured residents that the bridge would be opened to traffic before Christmas.