The Federal Government has disclosed that the second Niger Bridge will be open for use starting from midnight on Thursday ahead of the Yuletide celebration.
This was stated by the Minister of Work, Babatunde Raji Fashola during an inspection tour on Wednesday.
Fashola noted that the bridge will only be opened temporarily to ease the flow of traffic during the December period.
While inspecting the bridge, the minister admonished road users plying the bridge to drive safely and responsibly in order not to defeat the purpose of constructing the project.
“The maximum speed limit on Nigerian roads is 100km per hour. Don’t drive 101km per hour. The President will be happy to see users drive safely and responsibly while using this road, especially during this Christmas and New Year seasons. The President wishes you a merry Christmas and Happy New Year,” he said.
Investors King gathered that the bridge which connects South-South (Delta) to South-East (Anambra) will shorten the journey by a few hours and also boost inter-regional trade after completion.
Fashola added that the opening of the Second Niger Bridge would alleviate the sufferings of the motoring public who always experienced gridlock during the Yuletide.
When speaking about the funding of the multi-billion naira bridge, Fashola explained that part of the money used in constructing the bridge was looted funds recovered mostly from the United States of America.
Meanwhile, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Delta Command, has urged motorists to cooperate with all traffic managers to ensure the free flow of traffic during the Yuletide.
The Sector Commander, Mr Bassey Esiet said in a statement FRSC would collaborate with all relevant agencies to avert the usual gridlock along the Niger bridge.
According to the statement, the bridge would be officially opened by 12:01am on Thursday, December 15, 2022, to January 15, 2023.
The statement however added that the new bridge will not accommodate heavy-duty trucks and trailers yet.
“Members of the public are also informed theavy-dutyduty trucks and trailers will not be allowed to use the new bridge.”
