The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mr Olukayode Popoola, says the Kara bridge on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is still standing strong and safe for use.

Popoola  on Monday told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) after inspecting the bridge that the structural integrity test revealed that the bridge was strong and safe for use.

“The integrity test that we conducted on Kara bridge was okay. I am just leaving the site now, commuters should not be afraid”.

“The bridge is still standing strong, it is safe. It was not damaged by that fire incident. We are laying asphalt on it today, that is on about 50 metres of the road surface that was affected”.

“We will scarify the 50 metres and lay asphalt back on it this afternoon. Immediately we complete laying the asphalt today, we will open the road to traffic,’’ he told NAN.

Popoola, however, appealed to motorists and truck drivers to drive with caution to avert accidents.

“That accident that caused the fire would have been avoided if the two drivers were more careful. Motorists should drive more carefully on our roads and not only construction sites for safety. Even when the roads are good, drivers should drive with care to stop avoidable accidents,” he said.

Traffic was restricted on the highway on Friday for tests to be carried out on the bridge.

The structural integrity of the Kara bridge came under scrutiny after  two tankers carrying petrol collided on the bridge inward Lagos on June 21,  resulting in an inferno.  (NAN)