Vehicular movement on the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, has been halted as the Federal Ministry of Works commenced a two-week repair and maintenance exercise on the critical link between Anambra and Delta states.
The closure took effect on Monday, following the discovery of defects on the First and Second Niger Bridges, including vandalisation of bolts, nuts and other metal components.
The Acting Controller of the Federal Ministry of Works in Anambra State, Timothy Emenike, advised motorists to use the Second Niger Bridge through Obosi towards Asaba, Delta State, and other destinations throughout the closure period.
Repair activities have commenced, with heavy-duty equipment being deployed to clear sand, fill potholes and remove damaged bolts, nuts and other metal components for replacement.
Security personnel have also been deployed around the area, while motorists approaching the First Niger Bridge are being diverted to the Second Niger Bridge in line with the ministry’s directive.
The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, has equally deployed personnel and equipment to strategic locations to manage traffic and minimise congestion during the closure.
The Sector Commander of FRSC RS5.3, Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno, said personnel from the Onitsha, Ogidi and Oraifite commands had been mobilised to ensure free flow of vehicular movement.
She identified alternative routes to the Second Niger Bridge, including the Nkpor New Parks, Nkpor Junction, Old Road, Obosi, Second Niger Bridge route.
Other routes include the Onitsha-Owerri Road from Upper Iweka Flyover towards the Second Niger Bridge, as well as Atani Road through Uga Junction to Harbour Industrial Layout, connecting to the Second Niger Bridge.
Asekhauno also advised motorists approaching the First Niger Bridge from the Onitsha axis to make a U-turn underneath the bridge and access the Second Niger Bridge through the Upper Iweka-Owerri Road.
The repair exercise is expected to last two weeks, with motorists urged to plan their journeys ahead, obey traffic officials and use the designated diversion routes to avoid unnecessary delays and congestion.
