The First Niger Bridge in Onitsha will close from September 7 for emergency maintenance and rehabilitation.
The Federal Government will close the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, for two weeks from Monday, September 7.
The Acting Federal Controller of Works in Anambra, Mr Timothy Emenike, disclosed this in an interview with Newsmen in Awka on Friday.
The closure will allow emergency maintenance and rehabilitation work on the bridge, which links Anambra and Delta states.
The Federal Ministry of Works said the bridge is in a deteriorated condition, with damage to parts of its carriageway and some components affected by vandalisation.
The ministry said the contractor handling part of the Onitsha-Enugu Dual Carriageway had been directed to begin the emergency repairs.
The work will include removing the deteriorated asphalt and laying a new asphalt wearing course.
The ministry also plans to install solar-powered streetlights and closed-circuit television cameras, alongside traffic-control and diversion measures.
The Federal Government expects the work to be completed by Monday, September 21.
Motorists using the route have been advised to take the Second Niger Bridge through Obosi towards Asaba in Delta State during the closure.
The ministry said traffic signs, safety barriers and traffic-control personnel would be deployed to manage the diversion and protect road users and construction workers.
It has also advises motorists to reduce speed, avoid reckless overtaking and allow extra time for their journeys.
The ministry said construction would continue day and night to speed up the work and minimise disruption.
It describes the intervention as necessary to restore the First Niger Bridge to a safer and more efficient condition and improve traffic flow along the route.
By News Scope Africa
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