The federal government has said the construction of the 2nd Niger bridge is now completed and will soon be released to the public for use.
The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, stated this at an ongoing press briefing to present President, Muhammadu Buhari’s scorecard on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, in Abuja.
According to him, the only factor delaying the commissioning of the road is the construction of the link road which the recent surge of flooding has impeded.
He said, “I can confirm that the second Niger bridge itself is finished. People can walk through the bridge now unimpeded. What remains is the four-kilometer link road on the Asaba side.
“Right now, our dredger is in place, we have to rebuild the road by reclaiming sand, the recent surge of flood has slowed us down. On the Onitsha side, there is a 7kilometer road that links the bridge and the Onitsha-Owerri interchange.”
The Second Niger Bridge is a key national infrastructure, with immense socio-economic benefits for the contiguous states and indeed the entire nation.
According to the government, the bridge after it becomes accessible, will ease traffic flow, improve road safety, and create greater opportunities for local residents by advancing the commercial viability of the immediate area and regenerating economic life.
The scope of works includes the construction of a 1.6 km long bridge, a 10.3 km Highway, Owerri interchange, and a toll station.