The Lagos State Government has reiterated its determination to maintain smooth traffic flow and ensure public safety as rehabilitation work commences on the 20-kilometre Lekki-Epe Expressway.
The project is expected to span 64 days.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr Sola Giwa, gave the assurance on Tuesday, noting that robust and coordinated traffic management strategies have been put in place to minimise inconvenience to motorists and other road users throughout the construction period.
Speaking to officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, Giwa clarified that the rehabilitation exercise would not require a total shutdown of the expressway.
Rather, targeted traffic control measures would be enforced at key junctions and flashpoints to limit disruption and sustain steady vehicular movement along the corridor.
He disclosed that the traffic management plan is being implemented in phases, with the deployment of more than 305 LASTMA personnel to reinforce the three existing traffic management zones on the Lekki-Epe axis.
According to him, the increased manpower is intended to guarantee free traffic flow, enable rapid response to incidents and ensure strict adherence to traffic regulations, all aimed at maintaining order and safety during the rehabilitation works.
Giwa attributed the rising traffic volume on the Lekki-Epe corridor to the presence of major economic and infrastructural developments, including the Lekki Deep Sea Port, Lekki Free Trade Zone, Dangote Refinery and other fast-growing commercial and industrial centres in the area.
To forestall gridlock arising from emergencies, he said LASTMA has strategically positioned a range of recovery vehicles, including high-, medium- and low-capacity tow trucks, to swiftly remove broken-down vehicles and prevent secondary congestion.
He added that the agency would also deploy drone technology to provide real-time aerial monitoring, enabling quick detection and resolution of traffic incidents on the expressway and other critical routes across the state.
Giwa further explained that the traffic management framework includes the installation of visible directional signs, improved lighting and other necessary safety features to support motorists during the construction period.
In addition, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, and the Kick Against Indiscipline, KAI, brigade have been mobilised to complement LASTMA’s efforts, strengthen security and protect lives and property along the corridor.
Motorists were advised to explore alternative routes to reduce pressure on the construction zone. Giwa specifically identified the Coaster Road, linking Ogombo through Abraham Adesanya, as a suitable option during the rehabilitation.
He urged road users to exercise patience, drive responsibly, comply with traffic rules and cooperate fully with traffic officers, stressing that collective discipline and understanding are essential for the successful execution of the project.
Residents were also encouraged to report traffic incidents via LASTMA’s toll-free hotline, 080000527862, with assurances of swift and professional intervention.
The state government appealed for public understanding and cooperation, describing the rehabilitation as a critical intervention to improve mobility, enhance road safety and support sustainable economic growth in Lagos.
