Lagos-Calabar Highway designed to last 50–100 years — Umahi

The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has said the reinforced concrete pavement being used for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is designed to last between 50 and 100 years with minimal maintenance.

Umahi made the disclosure while speaking to journalists during an inspection of the Aleto Bridge project in Rivers State at the weekend.

He said the use of reinforced concrete was part of the Federal Government’s approach to constructing durable roads capable of carrying heavy traffic while reducing the need for frequent repairs and reconstruction.

According to the minister, the pavement technology comes with a projected lifespan of between 50 and 100 years and requires relatively low maintenance.

Umahi said the durability of the road was particularly important because the coastal highway would serve as a major economic corridor and carry substantial commercial traffic.

He disclosed that construction of Section Two of the highway, covering about 55 kilometres, was progressing, with the concrete pavement expected to be completed in November.

The minister, however, explained that work on some bridges and flyovers would take longer because of engineering challenges around the Dangote Refinery and Lekki Deep Sea Port corridors.

He said the structures were being designed to accommodate heavy-duty trucks while taking into consideration the soil conditions along the route.

Umahi also disclosed that additional drainage infrastructure would be provided along the completed section of the highway to address flooding concerns.

He said five-foot drainage channels were being constructed on both sides of the road, while culverts would connect the highway’s drainage system to Lagos State channels leading towards the lagoon.

The minister maintained that the highway had been designed to withstand the environmental conditions and heavy traffic expected along the coastal corridor.

The Federal Ministry of Finance had also stated that the project was being constructed with continuously reinforced concrete pavement designed to have a minimum lifespan of 50 years with minimal maintenance.