THE end to the chaotic Apapa-Oshodi expressway gridlock may not be farfetched any longer, following the just awarded Section 2 of the ever busy dual carriageway to Dangote Construction Company Limited.
The Section 2, which begins from Sunrise bus stop to Cele bus stop, was not awarded when sections 1 and 2 were awarded to Dangote for reconstruction in 2019.
The section had been under procurement, until it was awarded this week.
Consequently, this section has remained the major cause of the gridlock being experienced on the expressway over the years, because of its dilapidated state, arising from many years of neglect by the Federal Government.
Confirming the contract award to Vanguard, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Mr. Olukayode Popoola, said: “Dangote has started mobilising to site, which means reconstruction works on the section will begin any moment from now.”
On whether November 2021 initial deadline is still feasible with the award of the section 2, Popoola said: “No. Because of the just awarded section 2, that date is no longer feasible. The new delivery date now is 10 months added to the initial handing over date.”
Also speaking with Vanguard on the situation of the section, Team Lead, Bulk Truck Operations of Honeywell Flour Mills Plc, Israel Ogundiran, said with the first section from Liverpool to Sunrise almost completed, the award of the second section is a welcome development.
Apapa-Oshodi on lockdown
Meanwhile, the traffic on the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway assumed a new dimension yesterday, as commuters and motorists had a hectic time navigating their destinations following total blockade of expressway and service lane by Apapa bound articulated trucks and tankers.