Top 10 facts about the proposed 4th mainland bridge

The proposed 4th mainland bridge is set to be one of the highlights of the Governor Ambode-led Lagos state government.

Like the 1st, 2nd and 3rd bridges, it is aimed at connecting the mainland of Lagos to the island, reducing traffic on the roads and generally making transportation within Lagos easier. Here are 10 interesting facts you need to know about this bridge:

 1. Began with Tinubu

The idea for the 4th mainland bridge first came up in the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, almost 14 years ago, so it is not at all a new idea. However, back then, the needed indices to achieve the construction were not available.

2. MOU was signed in May 2015

 In May 2015, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode took a bold step by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a consortium of firms and finance houses for the construction of the 4th mainland bridge.

3. Obstacles

During its conception and design, the government had to stop several times, when faced with about 3,000 structures that will affect the bridge’s right of way since its conception.

4. 2,200 houses saved

To continue the construction, a new alignment design concept was produced. This new concept will save about 2,200 houses from being destroyed. This means that there will be a huge reduction in amount that will be spent on compensation.


5. Total length of bridge

The 4th mainland bridge when completed will be 38 kilometres long. Coming almost 50 years after the state’s existence and 26 years after the delivery of the third mainland bridge by the ex-military President Ibrahim Babangida.

6. Longest bridge

The project when completed will give birth to the longest of all the bridges connecting Lagos Island to the mainland, the 4th mainland bridge.

7. Places it will pass through

According to Ganiyu Johnson, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, the bridge will pass through Lekki, Langbasa, and Baiyeku towns, on the Lagoon estuaries to Itamaga, in Ikorodu.

8. Details

The bridge will serve as a complement to the Eko, Carter and Third Mainland Bridges and serve to deflood traffic. It will also have a four lane dual carriage way bridge.

Each lane, comprising three lanes with two metres wide shoulder on each side, and a generous median on each side to accommodate future expansion and light rail facility.

9. Special feature

Explaining a special feature, which he describes as “the heart.” Johnson said: “This two level bridge will not only function as a means of transportation on its upper level, but would also stimulate and accommodate social, commercial and cultural interaction of pedestrians never before experienced in these parts on such terrains on its lower level to give a typical “Lagos Life” feel, with its tropical environment and intimate street level exchanges.”

10. Cost

The 4th mainland bridge will cost N844.4 billion. The project is to be financed by Africa Finance Corporation, Access Bank and other private investors who have already signified intention to be part of the construction, while Visible Assets Limited would be the coordinating firm.