FG replaces 48 damaged steel columns on Eko Bridge to prevent collapse

One of the damaged stell columns on Eko Bridge

Julius Berger Construction Company have replaced all the 48 steel columns of the Eko Bridge damaged by fire in 2008 to prevent collapse of the bridge, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mr Godwin Eke, has said.

Eke said the columns were installed on a span damaged by fire in 2008 to make the bridge stable pending complete rehabilitation of the bridge.

He said that the repairs of the abutment of the Third Mainland Bridge as well as that of the Marine Beach Bridge, which was also damaged by fire, were ongoing.

``For Eko Bridge, Julius Berger has installed the steel columns to hold the bridge and we are now awaiting the procurement of the permanent works to do the full rehabilitation of the bridge.

``So, the question of the bridge collapsing is out of the question.

``48 columns were installed to hold the bridge.

``We are currently working on the Third Mainland Bridge abutment by Borini Porini not Julius Berger.” He said.

According to him, the Marine Beach Bridge has been closed for quite a while now as a local contractor, Build Well Plant Construction Limited, is handling it.

He noted that while he has finished rehabilitating the under, he would start work on the surface next year.

On the plans to evacuate the traders and artisans who caused the fire that damaged both Eko Bridge and the Marine Beach Bridges, the controller said that the Federal Government was planning to fence the areas.