FG approves N548.98bn to demolish, rebuild Carter Bridge

The Federal Government has approved the demolition and full reconstruction of Carter Bridge in Lagos at a cost of N548.98 billion, after investigations confirmed that the century-old structure’s underwater foundations had deteriorated beyond repair.

Works Minister Dave Umahi announced the decision after Thursday’s Federal Executive Council meeting, saying assessments conducted in 2013, 2019, and under the current administration — all involving Julius Berger — reached the same conclusion: the bridge could not be salvaged.

“All the technical experts all over the country, and even internationally, all agreed that we could not redeem Carter Bridge, and it has to be completely demolished and rebuilt,” Umahi said.

He attributed the irreversible decay to the corrosive effects of the saltwater environment on the bridge’s underwater piles and pile caps, which he said had deteriorated at a “geometrical progression.”

The reconstruction contract was awarded to CCCC following a competitive bidding process that included Julius Berger, CCECC, CBC, and China Harbour High Tech.

The new bridge will be longer than the original, stretching 1.93 kilometres compared to the current 1.525 kilometres, with an added flyover ramp designed to eliminate the chronic traffic bottleneck at the approach.

It will carry three dualised lanes and feature a navigational waterway of 105 metres by two.

The FEC also approved N24.89 billion for underwater rehabilitation works on the Third Mainland Bridge, to be executed by Julius Berger, among projects being lined up for commissioning ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary in office on May 29.

Carter Bridge, named after former British Lagos Colony governor Gilbert Carter, has served as a critical link between Lagos Island and the mainland for decades, though it has faced recurring structural concerns owing to age, heavy traffic load, and its harsh marine environment.