The Lagos State Government has confirmed plans to demolish the Mazamaza Bridge to facilitate the ongoing expansion of the Blue Line Rail.ย
This development is part of the second phase of the rail project, which extends 14 kilometres from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko.
Olasunkanmi Okusaga, director of Rail Transport at the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), explained that structural evaluations revealed the bridgeโs inability to sustain railway operations.ย
โTests conducted on the Mazamaza Bridge show it lacks the required strength to support the railway. As a result, it will be replaced with a new structure,โ Okusaga stated during a recent infrastructure update.
The new Mazamaza Bridge will rest on 66 piers, forming its foundational support. So far, 22 piersโroughly one-third of the totalโhave been completed, with plans to finalise all piers by the end of the year.ย
The bridge, along with others in the project, is being built to international standards, ensuring a lifespan exceeding 75 years.
Phase 2 of the Blue Line Rail project includes two additional bridges: the Satellite Bridge and the LASU Bridge.ย
Designed to enhance urban mobility, the rail expansion will incorporate six new stations located at Festac, Alakija, Trade Fair, Volkswagen, LASU, and Okokomaiko.ย
These stations will serve key residential, educational, and commercial areas, improving connectivity across Lagos.
A 400,000-square-metre depot is also being constructed at Okokomaiko to support the rail networkโs operations and maintenance. This facility will be central in ensuring the smooth running of the rail system and accommodating future growth.
Currently, the project is approximately 27% complete and is being executed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC). Beyond its infrastructural benefits, the initiative has generated nearly 3,000 jobs, both directly and stressing its contribution to the local economy.
LAMATA has asserted its focus on safety and quality throughout the construction process. Strict safety measures, including comprehensive risk assessments, are in place to safeguard workers and the public. All construction sites are closely monitored to maintain a controlled and secure environment.
Work on the Satellite Bridge is advancing steadily, with piers and pier caps nearing completion. Similarly, the LASU Bridge, situated near Lagos State University, is being developed to integrate seamlessly with a planned mega terminal, further boosting intermodal transportation for commuters.
Once completed in 2026, the Blue Line Rail Phase 2 is expected to transform and enhance urban transportation in Lagos, bringing a durable, efficient, and sustainable rail system.
