Governor Sanwo-Olu Commissions Yaba Bypass Red Line Overpass Bridge

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has commissioned the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Red Line Overpass Bridge at Yaba on Thursday.

The bridge is bound to improve traffic flow within the Yaba-Ojuelegba Axis into other parts of the state.

In a statement by the Head of Communication, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Kola Ojelabi, the T-shaped bridge takes traffic from Murtala Muhammed Way into Ojuelegba Road and vice versa over the rail tracks.

Traffic into Ojuelegba Road from Murtala Muhammed had been through a rail level crossing, and this often led to huge delays for train operations, apart from the high potential for accidents with vehicles and pedestrians.

The Yaba Overpass Bridge is one of the four new bridges built by the Sanwo-Olu’s administration on the Red Line rail alignment to eliminate vehicular/pedestrian and train traffic interaction.

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The bridge will facilitate smooth movement for the Red Line, which the Governor had promised Lagosians would commence operations soon.

Speaking on the completion of the bridge, Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Engr. Abimbola Akinajo said the overpass bridge will eliminate incessant accidents at level crossings as well as facilitate unhindered movement for the Red line trains which frequency will be very high.

“We have completed three of the overpasses, Oyingbo, Yaba and Ikeja with the Mushin due for completion by the end of the year. The Federal Ministry of Transport has given assurance to start the four they are expected to construct very soon,” she explained.

Lagos Rail Mass Transit is a rapid transit system in Lagos State. The rail system is managed by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA).

The railway equipment including electric power, signals, rolling stock, and fare collection equipment will be provided by the private sector under a concession contract.

LAMATA is responsible for policy direction, regulation, and infrastructure for the network.

The first section of the network, Phase I of the Blue Line, was originally planned to be completed in 2011, though the construction has suffered many delays caused by shortage of funds and change of government.

The Blue Line opened on September 4, 2023.