FRSC to Penalise One-Way Driving as Kara Bridge Repairs Disrupt Lagos–Ibadan Expressway

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has announced stricter enforcement against motorists driving against traffic on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway as repair works commence on the Kara Bridge section of the road.

Speaking at the scene of a major traffic backlog on Monday, Lagos Sector Commander of the FRSC, Kehinde Hamzat, warned that all offenders — including drivers of government and security vehicles — would be penalised for violating traffic rules during the repair period. He described one-way driving as unacceptable and an abuse of office, stressing that no category of driver would be exempt from sanctions.

According to Hamzat, the ongoing Kara Bridge repair works are expected to last at least two months. He explained that damaged portions of the bridge had caused multiple crashes in recent times, largely due to motorists attempting to dodge oncoming vehicles. To speed up completion, contractors are repairing two expansion joints simultaneously using faster-curing materials.

The FRSC also identified overloading as a key factor contributing to road damage on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, noting that weighbridges would be deployed to curb the practice.

To manage traffic and prevent gridlock, Hamzat said the FRSC, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army, had made strategic deployments along the corridor, particularly around Warewa, Opic, and other critical points. He added that several motorists attempting to drive against traffic had already been arrested and would face fines or prosecution.

While acknowledging delays for vehicles entering Lagos, the FRSC urged motorists to exercise patience and maintain discipline, warning that allowing one-way driving could worsen congestion and completely shut down the expressway.

The Corps said its personnel would remain on duty throughout the duration of the Kara Bridge repair works to ensure compliance and road safety.