The Federal Government has commenced the demolition of the decades-old Carter Bridge in Lagos to pave the way for the construction of a new 1.93km bridge estimated at N548.98 billion.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, said the decision to replace the structure followed several technical evaluations which found that the bridge had deteriorated to a point where rehabilitation was no longer considered viable.
According to Umahi, assessments carried out in 2013, 2019 and again under the current administration all reached similar conclusions about the condition of the bridge, particularly its underwater components.
He explained that the piles and pile caps beneath the bridge had suffered significant deterioration, making total demolition and reconstruction the safest option.
The existing Carter Bridge is approximately 1.525km long, while the proposed replacement will stretch about 1.93km.
The new bridge will also include a flyover ramp designed to ease congestion around the area and strengthen the connection between Lagos Island and the mainland.
The Federal Government said the replacement structure would feature two navigational channels, each measuring 105 metres, to allow vessels to pass beneath the bridge.
The reconstruction contract was awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) following a competitive bidding process involving several major construction firms, including Julius Berger, CBC and China Harbour High Tech.
Before the main contract was approved, the Federal Executive Council had authorised N5.6 billion for advanced engineering consultancy, design and costing for the project.
Carter Bridge has served as one of the key transport links between Lagos Island and the mainland for several decades, supporting the movement of commuters, traders and businesses across the city.
However, years of heavy traffic and exposure to the marine environment have contributed to the deterioration of the structure, with its submerged components reportedly among the most affected.
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Although rehabilitation was initially considered, the government said technical assessments ultimately showed that a complete replacement would offer a safer and more durable solution.
The demolition and subsequent construction are expected to affect traffic along the Lagos Island-mainland corridor, particularly as work progresses.
Authorities are expected to introduce traffic management measures to reduce disruption for motorists and commuters who depend on Carter Bridge and surrounding routes.
When completed, the replacement is expected to improve traffic movement and connectivity, with the planned flyover aimed at addressing one of the major congestion points around the bridge.
The Federal Government has described the project as part of its broader programme to replace ageing infrastructure and strengthen critical transport links across the country.
With demolition now underway, the N548.98 billion reconstruction has entered its construction phase, with commuters and residents expected to experience changes along the Lagos Island-mainland corridor during the project.