Lagos Government Inaugurates Oyingbo Flyover For Red Line Rail

The Lagos State Government on Sunday opened the T-shaped Oyingbo Overpass Bridge to the public, marking another crucial addition to the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Red Line.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, invited by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, officially inaugurated the project managed by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA).

The Oyingbo Flyover’s inauguration occurred just three days after Governor Sanwo-Olu inaugurated the Yaba Flyover, another crucial part of the Red Line infrastructure.

During the ceremony, Governor Sanwo-Olu said that the Oyingbo Overpass Bridge’s purpose is to enhance safety and maintain smooth traffic flow at the level crossings along the Red Line Rail.

He said that this 7.7-meter bridge is the second of four delivered to enhance safety and ease traffic flow along the Red Line.

The Oyingbo Flyover acts as a vital connection between Lagos Island and the Mainland. It starts from Murtala Mohammed Way in Ebute Metta, directing traffic into two distinct arterial roads, Iddo and Costain.

According to him, this project resolves issues of traffic congestion and delays that have been causing disruptions to the flow of traffic in the area.

He also said that the overpass would remove the risk of pedestrians and vehicles interfering with the rail tracks, thereby significantly reducing the chances of accidents and collisions involving trains and vehicles.

The governor said that this investment will not only improve the smooth flow of traffic at Red Line crossings but will also boost commerce and enhance the residents’ quality of life.

“Today, we are opening another Overpass Bridge constructed to ensure the safety of lives and uninterrupted flow of vehicular traffic at level crossings along the Red Line.

“This key project, which is the second of the five bridges undertaken by the Lagos State Government along the rail corridor, has been delivered in Oyingbo, famous for being a thriving center of commerce.

“The siting of this infrastructure in this area is strategic and intentional to achieve a seamless integrated intermodal transport system for the people.

“Oyingbo Flyover is an important bridge connecting Oyingbo Station of the Lagos Red Line to the Oyingbo Bus Station. The infrastructure has also opened new connectivity for motorists and commuters going to the Island from the Mainland,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu said that the opening of the Oyingbo Bridge came at the right time, considering the ongoing maintenance work on the Third Mainland Bridge. This maintenance has resulted in the closure of sections in Ebute Metta, which previously served as routes for motorists heading to Lagos Island.

He also said that the Oyingbo Flyover now offers alternative routes for accessing Lagos Island.

The governor warned against the inappropriate use of the bridge, emphasizing that the State Government will not accept unlawful activities, including unauthorized trading beneath it.

He said that the contract of the bridge not only utilized local engineering expertise but also facilitated the transfer of skills and the development of local engineering solutions.

The governor mentioned that engineering students from tertiary institutions in Lagos were actively involved in the construction process to learn and gain practical experience.

In his remarks, Oyebanji stated that Lagos had emerged as a model for transformative leadership, progressive reforms, and effective governance.

“The commissioning of this massive infrastructure project speaks to what is possible when you have a thinking leadership and a government that works with a vision at the helm.

“Ekiti State has a lot to learn from Lagos in terms of creating a practicable development vision that will be passed on to successive administrations,” he said.

Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, the Commissioner for Transportation, said that the flyover demonstrates the governor’s THEMES Plus Agenda, aiming to create a well-connected transportation system and make Lagos a competitive city.

Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, the Managing Director of LAMATA, praised Governor Sanwo-Olu for his commitment to ensuring the timely completion of the Red Line infrastructure.

The Chairman, of Lagos Mainland Local Government Area, Mrs Omolola Essien, described the event as a” momentous occasion”, as the bridge was ”a symbol of progress” for Lagos Mainland residents.

Essien promised to mobilize residents to protect the bridge and prevent any illicit trading underneath it.

“I sincerely extend the appreciation of Lagos Mainland residents to Mr Governor for his unwavering commitment to the transformation of Lagos and our city.

”I believe this infrastructure will improve the quality of life of the people and ease transportation within this axis.

“We promise zero tolerance to trading under the bridge and we will preserve the infrastructure,” she said.

Kanyi Daily recalls that  Babajide Sanwo-Olu, officially signed a contract for the construction of the second phase of the Blue Line, extending from Mile 2 to the Okokomaiko area of the state.