First Niger Bridge May Reopen This Week
Motorists using the busy Onitsha-Asaba route may soon have reason to smile. The Federal Government says the First Niger Bridge could reopen this week.
Federal Controller of Works in Anambra, Timothy Emenike, gave the update on Wednesday. He said major rehabilitation work on the bridge has now been completed. However, he noted that unforeseen circumstances could still affect the reopening date.
Major repairs completed
According to Emenike, workers have finished key jobs on the bridge. These include asphalt work, expansion bolts and other critical structural repairs. Painting of the bridge railings is still ongoing.
“The railing-painting exercise, which began last week, is expected to be completed shortly,” Emenike said.
“Barring ‘unforeseen circumstances’, the bridge could be reopened before the end of the week.”
He added that workers are also completing solar light installations and other safety measures. The bridge closed after vandals damaged key structural components, including parts of its expansion-joint steelwork.
Traffic pressure builds
The closure has forced many motorists to use the Second Niger Bridge. Others have relied on inner routes around Onitsha. As a result, commuters have faced longer trips and higher transport costs.
The First Niger Bridge links Onitsha in Anambra State with Asaba in Delta State. The 1965 bridge remains a major route for commuters, traders and businesses.
Meanwhile, Emenike dismissed claims that workers removed the new brick demarcations. He said only designated openings for emergency U-turns were created.
“The alleged removal of the brick demarcation that was installed after the bridge rehabilitation is one of the lies some disgruntled elements are telling,” he said.
Motorists expect relief
For many road users, the reopening cannot come soon enough. Onitsha resident Uche Adieme said the bridge remains vital to daily movement.
He said reopening the bridge would ease pressure on alternative routes. It could also reduce travel delays and logistics costs for businesses.
With major repairs now completed, motorists are watching closely for the final reopening announcement.
