Maintenance Work Advances on First Niger Bridge

By Oggorchukwu Oranu

Maintenance work is advancing on the First Niger Bridge following its closure by the Federal Government on September 7 for repairs to vandalised expansion joints, steel nuts and bolts, as well as potholes.

ABS monitoring one week after the commencement of work showed that the entry points from Asaba and Onitsha had been graded and stone based, while work was ongoing on the pedestrian walkway from Onitsha.

Road users who spoke to ABS described the maintenance as a welcome development, saying it would improve safety and ease traffic when completed.

A transport worker at Bridgehead, Mr Jude Onyejekwe, said the repairs would strengthen the bridge and guarantee safety, urging commuters to endure the temporary hardship.

Commercial drivers operating along the Asaba Onitsha route expressed relief over the repairs to the potholes, which they said had damaged their vehicles.

However, the drivers said transport fares had increased from N1,000 to N1,500, while their daily trips had dropped from about six to two due to the condition of the Atani alternative route.

A traveller, Onyinyechukwu Nwankwo, commended the quality of work and called for day and night operations to ensure that the repairs are completed within the promised two weeks.

The road users appealed to the government to grade the Atani Road and expedite the bridge maintenance to reduce the hardship being experienced by commuters.