Traffic congestion on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway has worsened, leaving commuters and motorists stranded for hours around Kara Bridge and adjoining routes, as ongoing bridge repairs continue to disrupt movement.
The situation escalated on Tuesday following a multiple-vehicle crash involving a container-laden truck, which trapped commuters overnight and forced many to trek long distances to reach their destinations.
By Wednesday morning, gridlock persisted across Kara Bridge, Berger, OPIC, Long Bridge, and connecting routes into Lagos, including Ojota, Ogba, and Maryland. Motorists reported prolonged delays, with some commuters still on the road hours after leaving work the previous evening.
One commuter recounted trekking from New Garage to Berger after traffic became unbearable, while another said he had walked for over three hours en route to Mowe. A truck driver heading to Aba reported being stuck in Ikeja at 3 a.m. after travelling through the night.
Public transportation has also been severely affected, with commuters struggling to find buses on Wednesday morning. Transport fares surged sharply, with reports of ₦4,000 from Berger to Oshodi, ₦3,500 from Berger to Mowe, ₦1,500 from Agege to OPIC, and ₦2,000 from Magboro to Berger.
The Federal Government is currently rehabilitating Kara Bridge, replacing deteriorated expansion joints to improve safety and preserve structural integrity. The two-week project, directed by Minister of Works David Umahi, began on September 8 and is scheduled to conclude on September 22.
Authorities explained that the reduced road capacity has made the corridor highly vulnerable to gridlock, especially during accidents or breakdowns. That vulnerability was exposed again on Tuesday when a 40-foot container truck lost control due to mechanical failure, ramming into six vehicles including a Toyota Hilux, interstate bus, Hyundai Odyssey, Sienna, Toyota Highlander, and Mitsubishi Hilux.
Emergency responders from LASEMA, LASTMA, and the police arrived at 6:05 a.m. to clear the wreckage with assistance from private towing operators. However, the incident triggered severe congestion, compounded later by another container-laden trailer mishap that forced a temporary closure of the Lagos-bound section.
Traffic authorities, including LASTMA and Ogun State officials, deployed personnel to manage diversions and ease movement. Despite these efforts, gridlock spread beyond Kara and Berger, extending past Long Bridge towards Magboro and into Lagos.
Commuters lamented lost working hours, increased fuel costs, higher fares, and physical exhaustion. Many abandoned vehicles or resorted to trekking long distances.
The latest crisis has renewed concerns about the vulnerability of the Kara–OPIC corridor, a critical artery for commuters, commercial vehicles, and goods between Lagos, Ogun, and other parts of Nigeria.
Officials maintain that the repairs are essential to prevent further deterioration of the bridge and ensure long-term safety.
