The Lagos State Government has warned motorists to brace for traffic chaos as the annual Access Bank Lagos City Marathon takes over the city on Saturday from 5.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, issued the warning in a statement on Friday in Lagos.
Osiyemi said several routes would be off-limits to motorists during the marathon. The affected routes include Funsho Williams Avenue from Stadium, Surulere, Ikorodu Road to Anthony, and Gbagada to Third Mainland Bridge. “Others are Third Mainland Bridge (inbound and outbound), Dolphin Road to Alfred Rewane Road, Falomo roundabout to Bourdillon Road, Lekki Bridge to Freedom Way, Akin-Adesola to Ahmadu BelloWay”.
Osiyemi advised motorists to use the alternative routes available during the marathon. These are: Apongbon Bridge inwards Eko Bridge through Costain Roundabout, Iponri and Bode Thomas for a desired destination or utilise Eko Bridge through Costain Roundabout and Apapa Road to link Oyingbo/Jebba to access Herbert Macaulay for a desired destination.
“Motorists can also go through Victoria Island to link Independence Bridge and CMS bridge to access Apongbon inwards Ijora-Olopa to Iddo and Oyingbo to connect Herbert Macaulay Road to continue their journeys.
“For motorists trying to navigate the Third Mainland Bridge; the bridge will be closed to motorists from 12.00 tonight till the end of the marathon,” he said.
Osiyemi added that all outbound journeys from Ikorodu Road, Funsho Williams Avenue en route Lagos Island would be unaffected by the diversion.
He said officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority would be stationed at the diversion points to ensure smooth traffic flow and the safety of motorists.
Osiyemi, however, urged motorists who had no urgent business along the marathon diversion routes to steer clear of the areas.
He said movement on the 3rd Mainland would resume as normal immediately after the marathon.
