As Lagos City gears up for the highly anticipated Access Bank Lagos City Marathon scheduled for Saturday, 10th February 2024, the Lagos State Government has issued an important traffic advisory to ensure a smooth event. The marathon, a significant event in the city’s sporting calendar, necessitates considerable traffic rerouting to accommodate the safety and movement of thousands of runners participating in the marathon from 5:00 am to 2:00 pm.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, announced that several major routes within the city would be temporarily closed to vehicular traffic. Key routes affected include Funsho Williams Avenue from Stadium, Surulere, Ikorodu Road to Anthony, Gbagada to Third Mainland Bridge, and Third Mainland Bridge (inbound and outbound). Other significant closures include Dolphin Road to Alfred Rewane Road, Falomo roundabout to Bourdillon Road, Lekki Bridge to Freedom Way, and Akin-Adesola to Ahmadu Bello Way.

To mitigate the impact on motorists and ensure continuous flow of traffic, the government has provided alternative routes. Motorists can use the Apongbon Bridge inwards Eko Bridge through Costain Roundabout, Iponri, and Bode Thomas. Additionally, Eko Bridge through Costain Roundabout and Apapa Road is available to link Oyingbo/Jebba to access Herbert Macaulay for onward destinations. Another alternative route is through Victoria Island, linking Independence Bridge and CMS Bridge to access Apongbon inwards Ijora-Olopa to Iddo and Oyingbo, connecting Herbert Macaulay Road.

A notable aspect of this traffic management plan is the closure of the Third Mainland Bridge to motorists from midnight until the end of the marathon. This is a critical measure taken to ensure the safety of the marathon participants and the smooth conduct of the event.

Furthermore, the Commissioner indicated that outbound journeys from Ikorodu Road and Funsho Williams Avenue en route to Lagos Island would be exempt from the diversion. To facilitate seamless traffic flow and ensure motorists’ safety, officers from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) will be deployed at various diversion points.

The government has advised motorists with no urgent business along the marathon routes to avoid these areas to minimize congestion. Normal traffic flow on the Third Mainland Bridge and other affected routes is expected to resume immediately after the marathon concludes.

This well-orchestrated traffic diversion plan reflects the government’s commitment to balancing the city’s vibrant sporting activities with effective traffic management, ensuring minimal disruption to the daily lives of Lagosians. The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon not only showcases the city’s enthusiasm for sports but also demonstrates the administration’s capability in organizing large-scale events with efficient urban planning and management.