The Federal Government has handed over the reconstruction of Carter Bridge in Lagos to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) in a project worth ₦545 billion.
The project is meant to solve old structural problems on the bridge and also improve one of the major transport routes in Lagos.
The handover took place on May. 6, at Carter Bridge site on Lagos Island, where Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, explained reasons for the decision.
He said many years of technical checks showed serious damage under the water affecting both Carter Bridge and Third Mainland Bridge.
According to the ministry, investigations started from 2013, while more checks in 2019 also showed that the bridges were getting weaker with time.
Umahi said fresh underwater inspections by specialist engineers under the present government discovered that some bridge piles had shifted from their original support points.
He said the problem was serious and repairing the old bridge would cost almost twice the amount needed to build a new one.
Because of that, the Federal Government decided to fully rebuild Carter Bridge instead of carrying out repairs.
The new bridge will have a modern cable-stayed design to make it stronger, more attractive and safer for movement on Lagos waterways.
Government said the project is expected to finish within 36 months.
Umahi praised President Bola Tinubu for supporting infrastructure renewal across the country.
He said seven companies were invited for the bidding process, while six companies, including Julius Berger, submitted offers.
According to him, CCECC was chosen after technical and financial evaluation, and the company was recommended by the Bureau of Public Procurement.
Funding for the project will come from government contribution and foreign borrowing.
He explained that Federal Government will provide 30 percent, while 70 percent will come from outside financing sources.
The minister directed CCECC to move to site immediately, adding that the Ministry of Works will inspect the project every month to make sure standards are followed.
In another development, Umahi also announced emergency partial closure of Eko Bridge.
He said illegal sand mining activities damaged some support structures under the bridge.
According to him, the damage created safety concerns, and one side of the bridge will be shut by midnight on May. 10.
He added that emergency repairs, bridge lifting and underwater restoration will be handled by Buildwell Construction.
Specialist divers have already been sent for inspection work.
Umahi assured Lagos residents that President Tinubu has been informed and ordered urgent action on both Carter Bridge and Eko Bridge.
He appealed for patience from the public, saying government remains committed to protecting lives and restoring important transport infrastructure.
