Gridlock is building up in major parts of Lagos as President Bola Tinubu visits the state today.

This is amid the gridlock already surfacing on the road en route to Lagos Island and adjoining areas following the closure of the Third Mainland Bridge for repairs.

Commuters who avoided taking the bridge on Wednesday following its closure for repairs spent longer hours in traffic on adjoining routes.

According to a statement signed by the Federal Controller of Works, Lagos State, Olukorede Kesha, on Monday, the closure of the bridge, which commenced at noon on Wednesday, February 28, will last till noon today, Thursday, February 29, 2024.

“The Federal Ministry of Works wishes to inform the motoring public that in continuation of the ongoing rehabilitation works on the Third Mainland Bridge, both bounds of the carriageways of the bridge would be closed to traffic from noon on February 28, Wednesday, to noon on Thursday, February 29, 2024; to allow the contractor execute a major aspect of the ongoing repair works on the bridge,” the statement said.

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority in a post on its X handle, @Lamataonline, on Wednesday, said President Tinubu was expected to unveil the Red Rail Line.

“Lagos is abuzz with preparations as the President gears up to visit the city for the much-anticipated launch of the Red Line rail infrastructure,” the post partly read.

Lagos State Governor, Babjide Sanwo-Olu, on February 24, conducted a test-run of the Lagos Red Line ahead of the unveiling.

Sanwo-Olu also inspected tracks, rail corridors, and comfort facilities like cooling systems, handrails, seats, and safety features.

Taking to his X handle, he wrote, “The Red Line Rail Project which I performed the groundbreaking on April 15, 2021 is a momentous step towards a connected and sustainable Lagos.

“Excitement is in the air as we gear up for the commissioning of the project by Mr President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, GCFR, on February 29, 2024.”

Meanwhile, President Tinubu will on Thursday depart Lagos for a two-day official visit to the State of Qatar.

The visit, which is on the invitation of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, will “further strengthen cooperation between the two nations in several areas, including security, cultural exchange, and economic development,” read a statement by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.

The statement was titled: ‘President Tinubu honours invitation to visit Qatar and participate in business and investment forum.‘

END.