Key Points

• Otedola bridge traffic diversion redirected stranded motorists across nearby Lagos routes.

• Two container trucks triggered a full closure of Otedola Bridge.

• Recovery crews deployed cranes and flatbeds to clear the bridge.

On Saturday, traffic came to a standstill when Lagos officials closed Otedola Bridge on the Lagos Ibadan Motorway because two containerised trucks crashed there. The closure happened because emergency crews were bringing in heavy equipment to get the vehicles out of the way. They were loaded and blocking the span towards the state secretariat.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority released video that showed cranes and flatbed trucks on the bridge while officers kept people from getting on. Officials said that all vehicles were stopped so that the recovery could be done safely and in an organised way. This caused long lines that went all the way to Berger and the surrounding corridors.

Traffic on the Otedola bridge is now being rerouted

As the Otedola bridge traffic diversion started, LASTMA told drivers to take different routes to cut down on traffic. Drivers coming from Redeem Camp and Kara were told to take Ogunusi Road, go to Omole Junction, and then connect with Agidingbi Road before continuing on their way. There were traffic officers at the points where cars had to change lanes to help keep things moving and avoid traffic jams.

People who lived nearby said that internal roads were unusually busy as people tried to find faster ways to get to work. Commercial drivers said that the diversion added a lot of time to their trips, but many agreed that caution was needed because of the size of the recovery work that was going on.

All traffic stops for the recovery operation

Officials said that a crane with a lot of power was used to lift the trucks that were in trouble, and flatbed trucks were ready to take them off the bridge. LASTMA says that the accident happened early in the morning when one containerised truck fell into the secretariat’s direction, causing a lot of traffic during peak hours.

After the crash, traffic personnel were sent right away to secure the area and direct oncoming vehicles. The authority told drivers to be patient and alert, and they stressed that safety was the most important thing during the operation.

Traffic on the Otedola Bridge is being diverted, which is putting a strain on other routes

The traffic diversion on the Otedola Bridge put stress on nearby roads, showing how important the corridor is as a link between districts in Lagos. By noon, traffic had backed up on several feeder routes as drivers got used to the temporary closure.

Officials said the bridge would reopen after the repairs were finished and safety checks were done. Transport analysts note that incidents involving heavy trucks continue to disrupt major Lagos routes, renewing calls for stricter enforcement of vehicle safety standards and load compliance.