VIDEO: FG On Course To Deliver 2nd Niger Bridge In 2022 As Construction Reaches Advanced Stage

Economy
By Tayo OLU

There are indications that the federal government is on course to deliver the Second River Niger Bridge in 2022, THE WHISTLER can report.

The federal government commenced the 1.6-kilometer-long reinforced concrete bridge in 2018 to minimize traffic congestion on the first bridge which was constructed in 1965.

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The existing bridge, otherwise known as the Onitsha Bridge, presently serves as the major bridge connecting South-Eastern states to states in western Nigeria.

The project which is being handled by the Julius Berger Construction Company include the construction of 10.3 km Highway, Owerri interchange and a toll station.

Funding of the project is being handled by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA).

THE WHISTLER’s correspondent accompanied engineers during a tour of the project on Saturday, during which they traversed a part of the laid decking of the bridge.

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The House of Representatives Committee on Works had recently frowned at the pace of work on the ongoing project and had expressed doubt on the possibility of completing the project for commissioning by the President Muhammadu Buhari in 2022.

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But during the tour of the project on Saturday, it was observed that the laying of reinforced concrete decks was being been done.

One of the engineers told our correspondent that one could drive from end of the River Niger to the other. Our correspondent also observed that the engineers had concluded design for laying of the parapets at both sides of the bridge.

Below are more photos from the ongoing construction of the Second Niger Bridge:

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Ongoing Construction of the Second Niger Bridge. The project is a key national infrastructure, with immense socio-economic benefits for the contiguous states and indeed the entire nation.

The Second Niger Bridge, upon completion,  will ease traffic flow, improve road safety, and create greater opportunities for local residents by advancing the commercial viability of the immediate area and regenerating economic life.
Ongoing Construction of the Second Niger Bridge. The scope of works include the construction of 1.6 km long bridge, 10.3 km Highway, Owerri interchange and a toll station.
The Second River Niger Bridge is part of a new motorway ring, which aims to minimize traffic congestion on the old bridge and to strengthen the entire region generally. 
The Second Niger Bridge is being developed through a public private partnership (PPP) involving Julius Berger
The Second Niger Bridge was first proposed during the 1978/79 political campaign by then candidate Shehu Shagari of the National Party of Nigeria(NPN). It was initiated under the Goodluck Jonathan administration and is being sustained by the Buhari administration.
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