The much-anticipated reopening of the First Niger Bridge to vehicular traffic has been delayed as the ongoing maintenance works on the ancient bridge has been impeded by heavy rainfall.
The Acting Federal Controller of Works, Anambra Field Headquarters, Timothy Emenike, told our correspondent on the phone that the two-week closure period is set to finish today but motorists will have to wait a little longer as the rehabilitation has not been completed.
According to Emenike, certain parts of the restoration were apparently harmed and washed away by the rains, Channels TV says.
The ministry’s official is appealing to commuters and other road users for patience, explaining that the weather has made it difficult to complete the required finishing works, hoping that three days of sunshine in a row will provide the window needed to complete the outstanding works and prepare the bridge for safe reopening.
This is coming two weeks after total restriction of vehicular travel on the bridge, during which motorists had to rely mostly on the Second Niger Bridge and other diversionary routes.
The bridge is closed to vehicles, which has meant lengthier travels and higher transport expenses for commuters, and pedestrians have had to struggle to find their way along alternative routes.
As rains continued, the focus moved away from the earlier timetable for reopening to complete the rehabilitation before traffic is allowed.
The state administration had earlier announced that the shutdown will be from September 7 to 21, 2026 as part of emergency maintenance and rehabilitation works by the Federal Ministry of Works to make it safer and more lasting.
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