“Carter Bridge is Irredeemable” — Works Minister Umahi

The Federal Government has declared the Carter Bridge in Lagos irredeemable following an inspection by the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi. Speaking after a comprehensive assessment of the bridge’s underdeck on Thursday, Umahi said the structural situation of the bridge was critical and beyond salvage.

The minister explained that the inspection was aimed at determining whether portions of the bridge, particularly the ramps, could be retained to reduce construction costs and time. However, experts advised otherwise. “What we did today is to see whether we can salvage the ramps, so that we cut down the cost of construction and the time of construction. That decision, we could not take,” Umahi said.

He noted that consultants and Julius Berger Plc were expected to submit further technical observations, which would be verified using government instruments. If the reports are confirmed, both the ramps and the main axial section of the Carter Bridge would have to be removed.

Umahi added that the remnants of the old Carter Bridge, which was demolished with explosives and still lies within the water, must also be considered during any new construction to avoid obstructing navigation.

According to him, the government is weighing the possibility of salvaging parts of the existing bridge for temporary use while constructing a new one along a different alignment. “The critical decision we have to take is: since it seems that all stakeholders are at peace that a new Carter Bridge should be constructed, is there any way we can salvage and repair something to be in use while we take a different alignment?” he said.

Umahi stressed, however, that the Federal Government was not considering the demolition of the Third Mainland Bridge. He assured that the ministry’s focus remained on rehabilitating and maintaining the existing structure, not replacing it.