The temporary closure of the First Niger Bridge to traffic began on Monday as the Federal Government commenced emergency maintenance and rehabilitation works on the critical link between Onitsha and Asaba.
The two-week closure, which started in the early hours of September 7, forced motorists to use the Second Niger Bridge, with heavy-duty construction equipment deployed at the First Niger Bridge to facilitate the repairs.
Residents who commute between Asaba and Onitsha said traffic was diverted to the Second Niger Bridge from about 5:30 a.m.
While many commuters acknowledged the need for the repairs, some expressed concern that the diversion could worsen congestion on already deteriorated roads in Onitsha, particularly Owerri Road.
Okechukwu Ojukwu, a resident, said the road was already struggling with heavy traffic and could face greater pressure during the closure.
“We have been calling on the Anambra State Government to pay attention to Owerri Road, Onitsha. Today, here we are and the situation has arisen,” Ojukwu said.
He said Owerri Road was an important route for people travelling from Imo and Delta states into Onitsha for business and urged the authorities to address congestion and review security checkpoints along the route, which he said contributed to delays.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra State Command, meanwhile, deployed personnel to strategic locations around the Onitsha end of the bridge to manage traffic and reduce the risk of crashes during the maintenance period.
The command’s Public Education Officer, Margaret Onabe, said the deployment was part of measures to ensure smoother traffic flow and protect road users throughout the two-week closure.
Ahead of the closure, the FRSC conducted a road audit of major routes linking motorists to the Second Niger Bridge.
The exercise, led by the Anambra Sector Commander, Bridget Asekhauno, involved officials from the Federal Ministry of Works in Anambra and Delta states, the Sector Head of Operations and the Anambra Road Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA).
The FRSC said the audit was designed to identify sections of the alternative routes requiring urgent attention to minimise congestion and road crashes.
Motorists were advised to use routes connecting to the Second Niger Bridge, including the Nkpor–Old Road–Obosi route, Onitsha–Owerri Road from Upper Iweka, and Atani Road through Uga Junction to Harbour Industrial Layout.
The Anambra State Government had earlier said the rehabilitation was necessary because of the deteriorating condition of the bridge’s carriageway and damage to some of its components.
The government urged motorists to use the Second Niger Bridge through Obosi towards Asaba during the closure.
ARTMA Managing Director, Emeka Okonkwo, also appealed to motorists to obey temporary road signs and diversion instructions, exercise caution around construction zones and cooperate with traffic-management personnel.
