FG begins demolition of Carter Bridge, unveils N548.98bn replacement

The Federal Government of Nigeria has initiated the demolition of the aging Carter Bridge in Lagos, a vital link connecting the island to the mainland. The existing 1.525km structure will be replaced by a new 1.93km bridge, a project estimated to cost N548.98 billion. Minister of Works, David Umahi, stated that repeated technical assessments confirmed the bridge's deterioration, particularly its underwater foundations, rendering it beyond repair.

Assessments conducted in 2013, 2019, and under the current administration all reached the same conclusion regarding the bridge's structural integrity. The underwater piles and pile caps have suffered severe damage, necessitating a complete demolition and reconstruction. The proposed replacement will feature two navigational waterways, each 105 meters wide, and include a flyover ramp to alleviate a significant traffic bottleneck and enhance connectivity.

The contract for the new bridge was awarded to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) following a competitive bidding process. Prior to this, the Federal Executive Council had approved N5.6 billion for advanced engineering consultancy, design, and costing. The Carter Bridge has served Lagos for decades, but prolonged exposure to heavy traffic and the marine environment has accelerated its decay.

While rehabilitation was considered, technical evaluations determined that rebuilding offered a safer and more sustainable solution. The demolition is expected to impact traffic flow along the Lagos Island-mainland corridor, and the government plans to implement traffic management measures to minimize disruptions. Upon completion, the new bridge is anticipated to significantly improve traffic efficiency, especially with the addition of the flyover, as part of the government's broader infrastructure renewal efforts.

“

The existing bridge had deteriorated beyond rehabilitation, particularly its underwater foundations.