By Willy Okonji
Traffic congestion along the Kara Bridge axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway worsened on Thursday morning following a collision between a truck and a passenger car, further compounding delays already stretching commuters’ patience.
The accident occurred on the outbound lane from Lagos toward Mowe and involved a Mack truck and a Toyota Camry. Eyewitnesses said the truck crashed into the rear of the car, leaving its bonnet badly damaged.
Officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), supported by other security and traffic management agencies, quickly arrived at the scene to control the situation and ease vehicular movement.
“The impact of the collision significantly slowed down traffic flow in an already congested corridor,” an FRSC official at the scene said. “Our priority is to clear the obstruction and restore movement as quickly as possible.”
The incident has intensified gridlock that has plagued the Kara Bridge area in recent days, with traffic reportedly stretching as far back as Otedola Bridge, Berger, and surrounding routes.
Frustrated commuters described the situation as exhausting, with some journeys taking between three and five hours for distances that would normally require far less time.
“It’s been terrible,” one commuter said. “A trip that should take 30 minutes now takes hours. Today’s accident just made everything worse.”
Authorities attribute the persistent congestion largely to ongoing rehabilitation work on the bridge. The Federal Ministry of Works had begun repairs to replace damaged expansion joints on the outbound carriageway, resulting in partial lane closures and diversions.
A ministry spokesperson explained, “The current phase of repairs, which resumed on March 10, is necessary for long-term safety. However, it has inevitably reduced road capacity.”
The repair work is expected to last about two weeks, with a projected completion date of March 24, 2026.
Officials also noted that increased travel during the Eid and public holiday period has contributed to the surge in traffic volume.
Motorists have been urged to remain patient, obey traffic regulations, and explore alternative routes where possible.
“We understand the inconvenience,” the FRSC official added. “But cooperation from road users will go a long way in helping us manage the situation effectively.”
