FG weighs options on Carter Bridge

 FG weighs options on Carter Bridge

. As Umahi commends Julius Berger new management’s collaborative approach

 

The Federal government is currently weighing options for the revamp of the ageing Carter Bridge, Lagos where several engineering issues have been flagged, Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi has said. The bridge is a major link between Lagos Island and the Mainland.

 

Speaking after an on-the-spot assessment visit to the site of the bridge in Lagos alongside engineers from his ministry, Friday, the minister who expressed worries at the state of the major carriageway, described the condition of the bridge as dangerous, adding that, it requires urgent attention.

 

According to him, the federal government is currently reviewing a proposal to either replace the Bridge with a N320 billion cable-stayed structure, considered a more durable and cost-effective alternative or embark on full-scale repairs of the bridge with N380 billion required.

 

Umahi said, Julius Berger has completed 80% of the above-water repairs, but investigations uncovered severe underwater damage, corroded piles and detached caps which he said, had overtime weakened the structural elements of the bridge, similar to what led to truck movement restrictions on the Third Mainland Bridge.

 

Umahi further disclosed that only two firms have submitted proposals for the ongoing bridge rehabilitation projects in Lagos: BuildWell for the Third Mainland Bridge and Julius Berger for Carter Bridge. He added that the government is currently reviewing both proposals and will forward its recommendations to the President for final approval.

 

He said, the ministry is reviewing proposals from Julius Berger and will submit its recommendations to President Bola Tinubu once assessments are complete.

 

Noting that past assessments in 2012 and 2019 flagged these issues, the minister said, a new bridge could last over 100 years and still cost less than the planned rehabilitation.

 

According to the Minister, the collaborative approach employed by the new management of Julius Berger towards issues management is commendable and very helpful in the Ministry’s relationship with a critical stakeholder like Julius Berger.

 

The collaborative approach of the new management of Julius Berger is as commendable; and it is welcomed for all stakeholders on any project to be on the same page. This is kudos to the Managing Director who has proven to be a humble professional in a hurry to build fresh relationships with fellow stakeholders, Umahi said.

 

Commending Julius Berger for demonstrating a sense of cooperation under its new leadership, the minister added, “Julius Berger quoted for project, I think, N27 billion or thereabout, but after much negotiation and discussion, we now arrived at N17 billion.”

He described the company as a “born-again Berger”, attributing the breakthrough in negotiation to the understanding and openness of its new managing director.

 

Acknowledging that the extent of underwater damage to Carter bridge is significant, the Regional Technical Manager, Region West of the company, Thomas Christl, said the company began work on the Carter Bridge in 2024, focusing on handrails and pile caps above water. The current contract he added, does not cover the full scope of restoration needed.

 

After our investigations, we suggested that a full replacement might be better. A new bridge will last up to 100 years, and international investors are ready to help finance it,” the Regional Manager added.