The Federal Government has declared Lagos State’s historic Carter Bridge unfit for use and beyond structural repair. Inspections by consultants including Julius Berger Plc have confirmed that both the bridge’s axial (main) section and ramps failed integrity tests.
During an underdeck inspection this week, Works Minister Dave Umahi said stakeholders now agree the best path forward is full demolition and replacement of the Carter Bridge.
Umahi explained that attempts to salvage parts of the bridge—especially the ramps—were evaluated but found unfeasible. The condition is so critical that neither ramps nor the main span seems salvageable.
There is discussion ongoing about what alignment a new bridge should take, and whether any component of the old bridge can still be preserved for safety or heritage reasons. However, safety and navigational concerns are pushing the decision strongly toward full replacement.
Meanwhile, the government has ruled out building a completely new bridge for the Third Mainland Bridge. Instead officials say rehabilitation of the existing Third Mainland Bridge remains the plan.
The Carter Bridge, first built in 1901, has been an essential transit link between Lagos Island and the mainland. Over its more than a century existence it has been reconstructed multiple times but wear, age, and structural failures have now pushed the bridge to its breaking point.
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