The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining uninterrupted traffic flow and ensuring public safety as rehabilitation work commences on the 20-kilometre Lekki–Epe Expressway, a project scheduled to run for 64 days.
The assurance was given on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, who said the state had put in place a comprehensive and well-coordinated traffic management framework to minimise inconvenience to motorists and other road users during the construction period.
Addressing officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Giwa clarified that the rehabilitation would not involve a total closure of the expressway. Instead, traffic control measures would be strategically implemented at key intersections to reduce disruption and sustain steady vehicular movement along the busy corridor.
He disclosed that the traffic management arrangements had been carefully designed and would be rolled out in phases, with the deployment of more than 305 LASTMA operatives to reinforce the three existing traffic management zones along the axis.
According to Giwa, the expanded deployment is intended to guarantee free traffic flow, ensure rapid response to incidents and enforce traffic regulations strictly, in order to maintain orderliness and road safety throughout the rehabilitation period.
The transport adviser noted the sharp rise in vehicular volume and heavy-duty haulage activities on the Lekki-Epe corridor, attributing the pressure to major economic and infrastructure assets in the area, including the Lekki Deep Sea Port, the Lekki Free Trade Zone, the Dangote Refinery and other fast-growing commercial and industrial hubs.
To address possible traffic emergencies, he said LASTMA had positioned a fleet of high-, medium- and low-capacity recovery vehicles, including tow trucks, to promptly remove broken-down vehicles and prevent secondary congestion.
Giwa added that the agency would also deploy drone technology for real-time aerial surveillance to quickly detect, assess and resolve traffic incidents along the Lekki-Epe Expressway and other strategic locations across the state.
He further revealed that the traffic management framework includes the installation of clear directional signage, adequate lighting and other essential safety features to protect motorists and construction workers.
In addition, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) brigade have been deployed to support LASTMA, enhance security and safeguard lives and property during the rehabilitation exercise.
Motorists were advised to utilise alternative routes to ease pressure on the construction corridor, with Giwa specifically recommending the Coaster Road from Ogombo through Abraham Adesanya as a viable option during the period.
He appealed to road users to remain patient, act responsibly, obey traffic rules and cooperate with traffic officers, stressing that discipline and collective cooperation are critical to the success of the project.
Members of the public were also encouraged to report traffic-related incidents via the LASTMA toll-free hotline, 080000527862, with assurances of prompt and professional response.
The state government appealed for residents’ understanding and cooperation, describing the rehabilitation as a critical intervention aimed at improving mobility, enhancing safety and supporting sustainable economic growth in Lagos.