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Diversion of traffic for redline project, necessary evil

 

Yaba is easily one of the most popular parts of Lagos Mainland.

Apart from the many tech hubs, bustling markets and housing projects, it is one of the easiest access routes linking commuters to the Island.

However, in September, the Lagos State Government announced a diversion of traffic from Yaba, to help contractors complete the first phase of the construction of the Redline railway project.

The diversion is expected to last for three months from midnight of Friday, October 1, 2021, to January 1, 2022.

Our reporter paid a visit to the area today, to assess the state of work on the project and its impact on traders and commuters.

The first thing we noticed was that a portion of the road that leads from Herbert Macaulay road to Muritala Mohammed Way has been blocked off.

This means that people heading towards Oyingbo and the Island are crammed on one side of the road.

On the other side, contractors have moved in sand, concrete, heavy equipment and labourers to begin work.

However, the road that connects the Yaba bus stop to Ojuelegba road, has been completely closed off to any type of traffic, just before the railway line.

This means even bikes, who would usually navigate their way around blockades like this, are barred from making trips to and from Ojuelegba. Only those on feet can connect the two roads.

Armed security operatives are also on the ground to ensure strict compliance with this.

Interestingly, as one tries to get to Bariga from Yaba, it is noticed that there is another roadblock just in front of the University of Lagos. This one completely blocks off both lanes of St Finbarrs Road up until the Pako bus stop.

Although this is a different project from the one in Yaba, it, no doubt will make commuting hectic, as people cannot connect Bariga/Oworoshoki from where Third Mainland can be accessed via the Iyana Oworo axis.

Today a public holiday, as Nigeria celebrates its 61st Independence, the road appears a bit easy to navigate. However, Monday may see a different traffic situation around the named axis.

Road users and drivers have been advised that traffic movement on Muritala Mohammed Way and Yaba axis will be diverted to Empire Road, to allow road users access Western Avenue.

Similarly, motorists on Herbert Macaulay Way can also use Empire Road to connect Western Avenue to reach their desired destinations.

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