We’ll repair Lagos-Ibadan Expressway before Christmas – Babalakin

THE Chairman, Bi-Courtney Highway Services Limited, Dr. Wale Babalakin, on Thursday, said the company had commenced remedial work on the deteriorating sections of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway ahead of the Christmas festivities.

The Federal Government handed over the 105-kilometre road to the company on May 26, 2009, on a concession agreement to renovate, expand, modernise and maintain it for a period of 25 years.

Babalakin, who spoke at a press conference on the state of the project at the old toll gate, Lagos, said that proper rehabilitation and reconstruction work would commence in January next year.

Even as he said that the final design of the project had been submitted to the Federal Ministry of Works for ratification, he stressed that the remedial work would make the road passable for those travelling home for the yuletide.

He said, ”Between now and the end of the year, we intend to make the road passable by ensuring that there are no craters and potholes on the road that can hinder movement. By the time we move into next year, we would have commenced more extensive work.”

Although Babalakin did not disclose the funding arrangement for the project, he said that the company would deliver a first class road that would be the pride of the nation.

”Let me assure Nigerians that the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway will be constructed as the most attractive, users-friendly and environmental-friendly designed road, not only in Nigeria, but also in Africa,” he said.

He also explained that the delay in the commencement of major works on the road was to perfect the design and ensure that the final output was of international standard.

The final design, according to him, has incorporated the scope of work, Environmental Impact Assessment report, engineering design, bill of engineering measurement and evaluation.

Babalakin also said that both the remedial and major reconstruction works would be executed with minimal disruption to the movement of vehicles on the road.

Already, he said a new route was being created at Kilometre 32, where traffic would be diverted at the peak of work for ease of movement.

Road signs and sign posts have also been erected to warn motorists and other road users at the approach of major construction site and dangerous spots.
Source:punchng