Motorists decry gridlock on Lagos-Ibadan, Sagamu-Benin highways

Motorists and other road users along the Lagos–Ibadan and Sagamu–Benin highways have lamented severe gridlock caused by ongoing rehabilitation works on the corridor by Federal Government contractors

Commercial drivers and commuters plying the routes expressed concern over the slow pace of construction and partial road closures, saying the situation has intensified congestion and resulted in significant loss of man-hours.

Many commuters were stranded in traffic on Tuesday morning, while others resorted to trekking to find alternative transport to their destinations.

Eyewitnesses reported a prolonged standstill that left vehicles queued for several hours. Traffic from the Sagamu Interchange reportedly stretched to the Ogere Remo axis near Animal Care, while the snarl also extended toward the Sagamu Junction end of the Sagamu–Ijebu Ode–Benin Expressway.

Motorists who spoke to journalists criticised what they described as government insensitivity and neglect, calling for an urgent review of traffic management strategies to ensure smoother vehicular movement.

One driver, Emmanuel Adebiyi, described the experience as harrowing.

“This is absolutely unfortunate. We understand the gridlock is due to the partial closure of the road by the company handling the rehabilitation project.

“The company should review its operations to ease traffic rather than subjecting everyone to this ordeal. I have been on the same spot for almost an hour without movement. We appeal to the relevant authorities to come to our rescue before people start fainting or criminals exploit the situation,” he said.

Some motorists heading to neighbouring states were forced to detour at the Sagamu Interchange, using alternative routes through Siun to reach Ogere and other connecting roads.

Authorities have advised motorists to use alternative routes, including the Siun–Ogere corridor, to reduce traffic volume along the affected axis and ease congestion.

As of 10:00 a.m., the situation remained chaotic, with many drivers stepping out of their vehicles to get fresh air due to the heat and prolonged delays.

The Federal Government had earlier announced a six-week partial closure of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway to carry out urgent repairs on expansion joints at Kara Bridge, Magboro Bridge, and Arepo Bridge.

Culled from vanguard