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Major bridge in Lagos threatens to collapse
Updated: 17-Feb-2012
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The D. Maria Bridge is said to have been built in Roman times. Photos: Emma Bertenshaw - THE RESIDENT GROUP
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A century-old main access bridge from Lagos town to the marina and Meia Praia beach has been closed due to threat of collapse, says the local council.
The D. Maria Bridge was closed to all traffic including pedestrians on Saturday, February 11, following an inspection by the National Civil Engineers Lab (LNEC) the previous day which concluded it posed a risk to the public.
The bridge, which has occupied the same location for many centuries, was re-constructed into its current form between 1958 and 1960.
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Cracks are visible on two of the bridge’s
12 supporting arches.
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The report by LNEC inspectors revealed that they had found “serious damage” to two of the 12 arcs underneath the bridge due to settlement from one of the supporting pillars. This had caused cracks to appear.
The technical team reported: “The anomalies observed significantly compromise the ability of these arches to stay sturdy and it’s possible the bridge could collapse abruptly.”
Lagos council have said they will provide updates as soon as they know when the bridge will be returned to normality.
This has limited the main route from Lagos to the Pingo Doce supermarket, Marina businesses and many residences around Meia Praia.
While this area can still be accessed from the EN125, to return to town travellers have to take the road to Chinicato to turn around due to the one-way road system.
Lagos council has been proactive in looking at ways they can reduce traffic congestion by considering the construction of a roundabout where the road from the marina (Estrada da Meia Praia) meets the EN125. Previously this junction did not allow traffic to take a left turn, creating a one-way system out of town.
Lagos council states they are aware of the “inevitable inconvenience that this temporary situation will cause” and asks for “the understanding and cooperation of all”.
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