Dare Babalola
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring smooth traffic flow and public safety during the 64-day rehabilitation of the Lekki-Epe Expressway.
In a statement signed by Adebayo Taofiq, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) quoted the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, to have said that comprehensive traffic management plans are in place to minimise disruptions.
Hon. Giwa clarified that the rehabilitation won’t require closing the expressway, with traffic control focused on key intersections to minimise disruptions and maintain smooth flow.
He stated that traffic management strategies have been carefully planned and implemented in phases, with over 305 LASTMA operatives deployed to support the existing traffic zones along the expressway.
According to him, this proactive and expanded deployment is intended to guarantee unhindered vehicular flow, rapid incident response and uncompromising enforcement of traffic regulations, thereby preserving orderliness and road safety.
The Special Adviser noted that the Lekki-Epe corridor has seen a significant increase in traffic due to major projects like the Lekki Deep Sea Port, Lekki Free Trade Zone, and Dangote Refinery, which have driven economic growth and intensified traffic demand.
In anticipation of possible traffic-related contingencies, Hon. Giwa disclosed that LASTMA has deployed a versatile fleet of high, medium and low-capacity recovery vehicles, including tow trucks to ensure the prompt removal of broken-down vehicles and forestall secondary congestion that could arise from such incidents.
He further stated that the Agency will harness advanced drone technology for real-time aerial monitoring, facilitating the swift identification, assessment and resolution of traffic incidents not only along the Lekki–Epe Expressway but also across other strategic locations within Lagos State.
Hon. Giwa confirmed that the traffic management architecture for the rehabilitation period incorporates the installation of clear directional signage, adequate illumination and other critical safety enhancements.
Additionally, personnel of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) have been deployed to complement LASTMA’s operations, thereby reinforcing security and ensuring the protection of lives and property throughout the duration of the project.
Motorists were advised to explore and judiciously utilize alternative routes provided by the government to alleviate pressure on the construction corridor. In this regard, Hon. Giwa specifically identified the Coaster Road from Ogombo through Abraham Adesanya as a viable and recommended alternative during the rehabilitation phase.
He urged all road users to exercise patience, demonstrate civic responsibility, comply strictly with traffic regulations and cooperate fully with traffic personnel on duty, stressing that collective discipline and cooperation remain indispensable to the success of the rehabilitation exercise and the effectiveness of the traffic management measures in place.
Hon. Giwa further encouraged members of the public, particularly motorists to promptly report any traffic-related incidents by contacting the LASTMA Toll-Free Hotline: 080000527862, assuring them of swift, professional and coordinated response.
The Lagos State Government once again appeals for the understanding, patience and cooperation of all road users as it undertakes this vital infrastructural upgrade in the overarching interest of enhanced mobility, public safety and sustainable economic advancement.
