Julius Berger, the contractor for the Second Niger Bridge, has officially handed over the bridge to the Federal Government. The 1.6-kilometer-long bridge, with an estimated cost of 336 billion Naira, serves as a vital link between Anambra and Delta states.
Although the project was inaugurated on May 23, 2023, additional construction, including ancillary roads, was required post-inauguration. In a brief ceremony at the toll area over the weekend, Minister of Works Dave Umahi expressed his approval of the completed project.
Umahi mentioned that the bridge is available for concession to any private company willing to finish associated roads, manage toll collection, and recoup their investments. He outlined plans for the completion of connecting roads, including interchanges to ease traffic around Asaba and Onitsha.
Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Lars Richter, clarified that the handover was a technical one. He confirmed the completion of the main Second Niger Bridge, with toll stations ready for use.
The idea of constructing the Second Niger Bridge dates back to 1978/79, initially championed by Shehu Shagari, a candidate for the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). Despite several attempts by subsequent governments, the project only materialized recently.
While the bridge opened for local traffic on December 15, 2022, temporary routes have been established to accommodate ongoing construction of connecting roads. As of now, there are no toll fees for crossing the bridge.
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