Second Niger River Bridge Will Be Completed In October.

Engr. Dr. Lars Richter, Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, has confirmed that the second River Niger Bridge project will be completed by October this year, “all things being equal.”

Richter made the remarks when the President’s Chief of Staff, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, led a federal government delegation to inspect the 2nd River Niger Bridge, which is being built by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari.

As of February 2022, Richter estimated that 83 percent of the work on the Second River Niger Bridge had been completed. According to the current status of the project, the Bridge’s substructure is complete, while the superstructure and finishing work are ongoing. Secondary bridges have also been finished. He also pointed out ongoing culvert and drainage projects to the visitors.

Read also: INEC lists Oyebanji, Kolawole, 14 Others For Ekiti Gov Poll

The bridge is designed to relieve traffic congestion on the old bridge and improve regional connectivity. The project, which is funded by the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority through the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund, is expected to boost economic activity and development in the country’s southeast.

The project includes the construction of a 1.6-kilometer bridge over the Niger River, which is expected to be completed in August 2022, as well as the completion of two secondary bridges, each spanning 21.7 meters, at CH25+166 (Amakom Village Road) and CH28+304 (Atani Road). The project also includes the demolition of an existing flyover and the construction of a new interchange at CH34+100 (Onitsha-Owerri Road), which is expected to be completed in August 2022. The project also includes the construction of a 3.3-kilometer approach road on the Asaba end of the main bridge and a 7.0-kilometer approach road on the Onitsha end of the main bridge, both of which are expected to be completed in October 2022. There will also be a toll plaza with 8 lanes in each direction at CH25+700, which will be completed in October 2022, as well as site clearing of the right of way (RoW), which will include the removal of all bush, trees, and shrubs.

When completed, the second River Niger Bridge will provide significant socio-economic benefits to the country, particularly the surrounding states, by improving commercial activities, improving traffic flow, and improving commuter safety.

The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, and the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige, were among the dignitaries in the Chief of Staff’s entourage. Uche Orji, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), was also in the Chief of Staff to the President’s entourage.

The inspection began at the Owerri interchange end of the project, where Julius Berger Nigeria Plc’s Managing Director, Engr. Dr. Lars Richter, briefed the Chief of Staff on the status of the ongoing works. Julius Berger introduced and implemented innovative soil improvement solutions using the Geotextile Encased Sand Columns (GEC) system for base reinforcement, according to Richter. The breakthrough, according to Richter, is a foundation method for embankments on low-bearing-capacity ground. It also includes mega Prefabricated Vertical Drains (PVD), which help to speed up the settlement and consolidation process by allowing settlement to take place during the construction phase.

Read also: I Didn’t Clear Abba Kyari On Money Laundering….

Julius Berger held a Safety brief for the important visitors prior to walking the full length of the constructed bridge, where finishing works are still ongoing, in keeping with its impeccable commitment to site safety. The Managing Director was accompanied by other company officials, including Engr. Friedrich Wieser, the Project Director for the 2nd River Niger Bridge.

Professor Ibrahim Gambari, the President’s Chief of Staff, praises Julius Berger’s work as “excellent and visible for all to see….we are very impressed with the work done so far.”

“People often say seeing is believing,” said Labour Minister Dr. Chris Ngige, “but today, having not only seen but also walked on the fully constructed length of the 2nd River Niger Bridge, I now say, ‘Walking is believing; Julius Berger is indeed reliable.”

“Some people said there was no bridge before, but now we are walking on it,” Works Minister Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, said. This is happening right now…. We’ll finish it as promised… From what we can see today, the contractor (Julius Berger) has done a good job; after the spans are linked on April 2nd, this bridge will be ready for Mr. President to use.”