Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has assured residents that the Opebi-Ojota Link Bridge will be opened to traffic before Christmas, following delays that pushed its completion beyond the September deadline previously announced by the state government.

Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance on Sunday during an inspection of the project site, where he sought explanations for the delay and assessed the remaining construction work.

The governor said the bridge, initially expected to be ready by the end of September, had yet to be completed as of late October, prompting him to visit the site to establish the reasons for the setback.

He explained that the project was designed to reflect the area’s cultural heritage, particularly its historic cane market, through an elaborate steel structure inspired by the traditional weaving of cane.

According to him, the design also seeks to preserve the area’s identity and historical significance, including its association with the name Odo-iya Alaro.

Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the project involves installing more than 300 tonnes of steel at heights reaching 25 metres, describing the engineering work as a complex undertaking.

He said three of the structure’s four major components had been completed, while work was ongoing on the remaining section, which would require a few more days to install.

The governor added that an LED screen featuring Lagos State’s colours would be incorporated into the finished structure to enhance its appearance and establish the bridge as another landmark infrastructure project in the state.

He expressed optimism that the remaining work would be completed in time for the bridge to be opened before Christmas.