The Lagos State Government has announced plans to demolish the Mazamaza Bridge and build a new one as part of the ongoing construction of the Blue Line Rail Phase 2, a 14-kilometre extension from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko.
This disclosure was made by the Director of Rail Transport at the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Olasunkanmi Okusaga, during an infrastructure progress report broadcast by Channels Television earlier this week.
Explaining the decision, Okusaga revealed that structural tests on the Mazamaza Bridge showed it lacked the strength to support the railway operations.
“The bridge behind me is the Mazamaza Bridge. We have done a test on it, and we find that the bridge is not strong enough in terms of strength. So, we have to demolish it to construct another new bridge that will house the railway operation,” he said.
He did not, however, reveal when the bridge would be demolished.
The new Mazamaza Bridge construction involves the installation of 66 piers, which serve as the foundational support for the structure.
Okusaga noted that currently 22 piers have been completed, representing approximately 33 per cent of the total saying the goal is to complete all the piers by the end of the year.
Designed to meet international structural standards, all three bridges being constructed in Phase 2 – including the Satellite Bridge and LASU Bridge – will have a lifespan of 75 years or more, ensuring durability and safety for rail operations.
The Mazamaza, Satellite, and LASU bridges are integral components of the Blue Line Rail Phase 2 project, which spans 14 kilometres and is expected to be completed in 2026.
Alongside these bridges, the project will include six stations located at Festac, Alakija, Trade Fair, Volkswagen, LASU, and Okokomaiko. These stations will connect major residential, educational, and commercial hubs, facilitating seamless movement across the Lagos metropolis.