The Proposed 4th Mainland Bridge: Top 10 Facts You Should Know

The proposed 4th mainland bridge is set to be one of the
highlights of the Governor Ambode-led Lagos state
government.[b][/b]
Like the 1st, 2nd and 3rd bridges, it is aimed at
connecting the mainland of Lagos to the island, reducing
traffic on the roads and generally making transportation
within Lagos easier.Here are 10 interesting facts you need
to know about this bridge:
1.Began with Tinubu
The idea for the 4th mainland bridge first cameup in the
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, almost 14
years ago, so it is not at all a new idea. However, back
then, the needed indices to achieve the construction were
not available.
2. MOU was signed in May 2015
In May 2015, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode took a bold step
by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a
consortium of firms and finance houses for the
construction of the 4th mainland bridge.
3. Obstacles
During its conception and design, the government had to
stop several times, when faced with about 3,000 structures
that will affect the bridge’s right of way since its
conception.
4. 2200 houses saved
To continue the construction, a new alignment design
concept was produced. This new concept will save about
2,200 houses from being destroyed. This means that there
will be a huge reduction in amount that will be spent on
compensation.
5. Total length of the bridge
The 4th mainland bridge when completed will be 38
kilometres long. Coming almost 50 yearsafter the state’s
existence and 26 years after the delivery of the third
mainland bridgeby the ex-military President Ibrahim
Babangida.
6. Longest Bridge
The project when completed will give birth to the longest
of all the bridges connecting LagosIsland to the mainland,
the 4th mainland bridge.
7. Places it will pass through
According to Ganiyu Johnson, the Commissioner for Works
and Infrastructure, the bridge will pass through Lekki,
Langbasa, and Baiyeku towns, on the Lagoon estuaries
toItamaga, in Ikorodu.
8. Details
The bridge will serve as a complement to the Eko, Carter
and Third Mainland Bridges and serve to deflood traffic. It
will also have a four lane dual carriage way bridge.Each
lane, comprising three lanes with two metres wide
shoulder on each side, and a generous median on each
side to accommodate future expansion and light rail
facility.
9. Special feature
Explaining a special feature, which he describes as “the
heart.” Johnson said:“This two level bridge will not only
function as a means of transportation on its upper level,
but would also stimulate and accommodate social,
commercial and cultural interaction of pedestrians never
before experienced in these parts on such terrains on its
lower level to givea typical “Lagos Life” feel, with its
tropical environment and intimate street level exchanges.”
10. Cost
The 4th mainland bridge will cost N844.4 billion. The
project is to be financed by Africa Finance Corporation,
Access Bank and other private investors who have already
signified intention to be part of the construction, while
Visible Assets Limited would be the coordinating firm.