On Saturday, the ongoing reconstruction of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway caused severe traffic congestion, particularly along the Ibafo-Mowe axis in Ogun State.

The four-lane road was reduced to a single lane, significantly affecting the flow of traffic.

Witnessing the situation firsthand from the Secretariat Bus-stop, our correspondent observed passengers disembarking from their buses and opting to trek from the Otedola axis to Berger in search of relief from the traffic gridlock. Despite the drizzle, large groups of passengers could be seen briskly walking along the road.

The traffic situation was further exacerbated by a broken-down truck just after the Otedola Bridge. This added to the frustration and delays experienced by motorists and commuters.

One nursing mother, Mrs. Bisi Akinola, shared her experience as she carried her child and a small bag on her head. She recounted boarding a bus from the Toll Gate Bus-stop, paying a fare of N500 to reach Berger Bus Stop. However, she eventually decided to abandon the bus and join the other pedestrians who were trekking towards Berger.

She stated that walking was a preferable option to sitting in the car, considering the stagnant traffic that showed no signs of moving.

“I live at Lotto, Ogun State. If I keep waiting, what time will I get home? I have left the N500 for the driver. He refused to give me a refund. I will trek with my child to Berger and take a motorbike down to my house. It is better for me. I don’t mind the rain,” she said.

Furthermore, she appealed to the government to exert pressure on the construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria, to expedite the completion of the project and alleviate the traffic congestion on the expressway.

A construction worker named Samuel Okaka shared his experience, stating that he had departed from Iyana-Oworo at 12 pm but was still unable to reach Berger as of 5:34 pm when our correspondent interviewed him.

“As you can see, the traffic is terrible. Nothing is moving. I am tired. All my body aches from the stress I have gone through today. It is better I trek. I have begged the driver to give me some refund so I can begin my journey,” he said.

In the New Garage area, the road has been reduced to a single lane due to ongoing construction activities, as confirmed by other passengers and commercial bus drivers. This situation has persisted for several weeks.

The Lagos State Ministry of Transportation issued a traffic advisory on Friday through its Permanent Secretary, Abduhafiz Toriola, urging motorists to avoid the expressway and consider alternative routes. This advisory aligns with the Federal Government’s announcement of traffic diversion on the expressway, as construction work on the corridor nears completion.

According to the diversion plan announced by the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, motorists are advised to exit from the New Garage Bus Stop on the Lagos-bound carriageway and take the route towards River Valley Estate, Isheri, as