KEY POINTS

• Lagos diverts Mile 12 traffic for new transport terminal construction.
• Motorists will follow marked detour routes with LASTMA support.
• The terminal project will improve transportation and reduce congestion.

For 15 months, the Lagos State Government intends to reroute traffic around the well-known Mile 12 section of the Lagos-Badagry Motorway. 

Lagos announces 15-month traffic diversion for new interchange

Beginning on November 11, 2024, the diversion is anticipated to last until February 16, 2026. As part of the state’s continuous efforts to update its transport infrastructure, this step is being put into place to permit the development of a new Transport Interchange Terminal to proceed without interference.

He further stated that in keeping with the Lagos State Government’s goal of creating a comprehensive multimodal transportation system, the new terminal would incorporate some transit options, such as rail, bus, water, and non-motorized transportation. Once finished, this project should reduce traffic and improve the convenience of commuting throughout the city.

According to Business Day, this development was confirmed on Sunday by Oluwaseun Osiyemi, the State Commissioner for Transportation. According to him, the Lagos-Badagry Motorway and its environs will be the main routes affected by the traffic diversion. To guarantee that there is as little disruption to traffic flow as possible during the building phase, alternate routes have been prepared.

Drivers going from Apapa to Oshodi and the other way around will encounter a direct traffic flow, according to Osiyemi. On the other hand, drivers going from Apapa to Badagry will have to continue travelling on the Apapa-Oshodi Motorway before turning onto Akinwande Road. They can then continue their journey by connecting Coker and getting onto the Lagos-Badagry Motorway.

Motorists face detours but clear signage and routes provided

According to Osiyemi, all diversion routes would have prominent signage to facilitate easy navigation. To help drivers and maintain the smoothest possible traffic flow, he noted, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) personnel will be stationed along the impacted roads.

“We have marked the alternate routes, and our LASTMA officers will be on duty to supervise traffic control and help drivers find their way,” Osiyemi stated. “To minimise any inconvenience during this period, we kindly ask that tourists exercise patience and cooperate with the interventions implemented.”

Additionally, he counselled drivers to comprehend that the traffic diversion is a component of a broader traffic management strategy designed to guarantee the Transport Interchange Terminal’s smooth completion. The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) is in charge of overseeing this project, which aims to increase the city’s transport network’s effectiveness and connectedness.

“The patience and cooperation of motorists are essential,” said Osiyemi. “This is a significant infrastructure project that will benefit all Lagos residents once completed.”