The Federal government has given the assurance that the second Niger Bridge will be ready for use by Christmas this year.
The Acting Controller of Works in Anambra State, Mr. Seyi Martins, gave the assurance while speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka.
Martins said the first phase of the Second Niger Bridge measuring 1.6km, has reached 95 per cent completion.
The Controller said contrary to the news that the project would be ready in 2024, the projects would be ready for use by travelers during the Yuletide.
According to him, the government is determined to ensure that travelers enjoyed stress-free motoring over the River Niger.
He said motorists would not be subjected to gridlock experienced on the existing bridge during Yuletide this year.
“The first phase of the project, which was the bridge itself, is substantially completed.
“The bridge project is 95 per cent completed and it is expected to be ready by December 2022.
“The steel guard rails are complete, the roads are set for vehicle traffic; the toll plaza area is almost completed, and what is left is the installation of toll booth canopies,” he said.
The Controller said the bridge could be accessed from the interchange at Obosi on the Onitsha-Owerri road, adding that a road is being constructed to connect traffic on the Asaba-Benin expressway to it, pending the completion of the second phase.
“The second phase of the project is yet to commence, but the government has deemed it fit that upon completion of the first phase it will be opened to traffic.
“At the Onitsha end, there is an interchange at Obosi along the Onitsha–Owerri highway where you can access the bridge.
“On the Asaba end, there is a link road we are constructing to enable travelers to access the bridge from Benin-Onitsha road,” he said.
– NAN