FG Approves N548.98bn for Demolition, Reconstruction of Carter Bridge

The Federal Government has approved the demolition and reconstruction of the Carter Bridge in Lagos at a cost of N548.98 billion following technical assessments that found the structure no longer salvageable.

Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, disclosed this on Thursday after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Umahi said the decision was based on multiple structural investigations conducted in 2013, 2019, and under the current administration, all of which concluded that the bridge had deteriorated beyond repair.

According to him, stakeholders and engineering experts unanimously recommended the complete demolition and reconstruction of the bridge after extensive consultations.

He explained that critical components of the bridge, including underwater piles and pile caps, had suffered significant deterioration over time, making total reconstruction the only viable option to ensure safety and long-term structural integrity.

The minister said the contract for the project was awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation after a competitive bidding process that complied with due process requirements.

Umahi added that the new bridge would be expanded from 1.525 kilometres to 1.93 kilometres and would include a flyover ramp to ease traffic congestion in the area.

He said the redesigned structure would feature dual carriageways and improved navigational waterways to enhance transportation efficiency.

According to him, the project is expected to eliminate long-standing traffic bottlenecks and significantly improve connectivity within Lagos and surrounding areas upon completion.

Meanwhile, the FEC also approved N24.89 billion for underwater works on the Third Mainland Bridge, with the project to be handled by Julius Berger.