Structural Crisis Ahead:  Lagos Bridges Could Become ‘Biscuit-Like’ Without Immediate Repairs, Umahi Warns

Structural Crisis Ahead:  Lagos Bridges Could Become ‘Biscuit-Like’ Without Immediate Repairs, Umahi Warns

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has raised a serious alert about the structural safety of major Lagos bridges, including Third Mainland, Carter, and Marina bridges. Umahi revealed that motorists are largely unaware of the dangers posed by structural wear, specifically carbonization and chlorination affecting the pile caps of these bridges.……..CONTINUE READING 

According to Ireporter reports, a pile cap is a thick concrete layer atop piles, serving as a foundational support for bridge stability.

Speaking during an inspection of Lagos bridges with National Assembly Works Committee members, Umahi explained that chlorination causes pile caps to absorb chloride from water, which weakens the steel reinforcement within. This process could ultimately cause these strong structures to deteriorate rapidly, “like biscuits,” as the metal reinforcement rusts internally.

Umahi noted that the issues have worsened due to illegal sand mining, which has undermined the piles beneath the bridges. He further pointed out that years of patching asphalt layers on the Third Mainland Bridge’s top deck have exacerbated potholes, leading to frequent accidents.

Expressing gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing emergency funds for bridge repairs, Umahi remarked, “The President is committed to correcting these long-standing issues. But everyone is eager for immediate results.” He noted that these bridges had not seen significant repair or reinforcement in over five decades.