The federal government has announced a two-week closure of the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra state.

In a statement on Friday, Timothy Emenike, acting federal controller of works in Anambra, said the bridge will be closed to traffic from September 7 to 21, to allow for emergency rehabilitation and maintenance works.

Emenike advised motorists to use the Second Niger Bridge through Obosi towards Asaba, Delta state, and other destinations beyond during the closure.

He said traffic diversion arrangements, road signs, safety barriers and traffic-control personnel would be deployed to guide motorists and protect road users and construction workers.

The bridge connects Anambra and Delta and serves as a major route for motorists travelling between the south-east and other parts of the country.

Emenike said the intervention became necessary following the deteriorated condition of the First Niger Bridge, particularly its carriageway surface and some bridge components affected by vandalisation.

He noted that some of the vandalised components include portions of the expansion-joint steelwork and stanchion/steel truss nuts and bolts.

David Umahi, minister of works, had expressed concern over the condition of the bridge during his recent visit to Anambra and directed the immediate commencement of emergency rehabilitation.

The ministry said SKECC, the contractor handling the 20-kilometre section of the Onitsha-Enugu dual carriageway, has been directed to carry out the emergency works.

The rehabilitation will include milling and removing the deteriorated asphalt surface before laying an approximately 40mm asphalt wearing course.

Other works include the installation of solar-powered streetlights and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, as well as traffic-control and diversion measures.

The ministry said the intervention is aimed at restoring a safe and durable riding surface, improving the bridge’s motorability and easing traffic congestion around the First Niger Bridge axis.

The ministry said construction activities would take place day and night to accelerate completion and minimise disruption to motorists.

Motorists have been advised to obey temporary traffic signs and diversion instructions, reduce speed around construction zones and follow the directions of traffic-control personnel and security agencies.

The ministry also urged road users to allow extra travel time and, where possible, use the Second Niger Bridge through the Obosi-Asaba route.

The federal government also apologised for the inconvenience caused by the closure, saying the intervention was necessary in the public interest to restore the bridge to a safer and more efficient condition.

The government appealed to motorists, residents, businesses and other stakeholders to cooperate with the traffic-management arrangements throughout the rehabilitation period.

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