The Federal Government has declared the Carter Bridge in Lagos State irredeemable, warning that both its ramps and main structure may need to be completely rebuilt.
Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, announced this on Wednesday after a detailed inspection of the bridge’s underside.
“What we did today was to see whether we could salvage the ramps to cut down the cost and time of construction,” Umahi said. “That decision, we could not take. We need consultants and Julius Berger to present their observations, and we have instruments to verify their findings. If the reports are accurate, then both the ramp and the main axial section of the Carter Bridge will have to go.”
Umahi revealed that remnants of the original Carter Bridge demolished with explosives decades ago remain underwater, complicating future reconstruction.
“Whatever we are doing, we must consider removing those remains so as not to affect navigational activities,” he added.
The minister stressed that the government would explore the possibility of salvaging certain sections or adopting a new alignment, but cautioned that safety concerns will determine the final decision.
