According to Jimoh Olawale, the Federal Controller of Works for Delta State, the Second Niger Bridge will open to traffic on December 15. However, Olawale stated that the bridge would only be open for 30 days in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Asaba.
He mentioned that Babatunde Fashola, the Minister of Works and Housing, had directed the opening of the 95% finished bridge to ease traffic during the holiday season. He stated: “As is well known, traffic during the Christmas holiday makes it difficult for commuters to cross the old Niger Bridge, but with this arrangement, congestion on the Asaba-Benin Expressway will lessen.
“Motorists going in the direction of Owerri would divert through the access road near the old Niger Bridge to the new bridge. “Olawale, however, debunked claims by a group alleging that the Federal Government had abandoned the payment of compensation to property owners along the access road to the second Niger Bridge.
