In a move to ease the burden on road users, the Oyo State Government has opened the first phase of the Olodo Bridge for pedestrian use. The state's Commissioner for Public Works, Infrastructure and Transport, Professor Dahud Kehinde Shangodoyin, made the announcement during an inspection of the project on Tuesday.
Shangodoyin stated that the opening of the bridge for pedestrians demonstrates Governor 'Seyi Makinde's commitment to the welfare of the citizens. He further revealed that one side of the bridge will be opened for both vehicles and pedestrians by the end of May.
The old Olodo Bridge was washed away by rain on July 23, 2023, causing inconvenience to both pedestrians and motorists in the area. Shangodoyin said the government had promised to open the first phase of the bridge for pedestrians on April 30, 2024, and they have fulfilled that promise.
The commissioner assured that construction work will continue on the second side of the bridge, and the work will be expedited to ensure timely completion of the project as scheduled. The new Olodo Bridge is 40 meters in length and 12 meters in breadth, with two lanes for vehicles.
Residents of the Olodo Bank Area, including Mrs. Elizabeth Olalowo, Reverend Moses Adebisi, and Mrs. Omolola Joshua, expressed their gratitude to Governor Makinde for the intervention, stating that it has ameliorated the suffering of road users in the area.
Shangodoyin warned residents to be cautious while using the bridge as the contractor will still be working on the second part. He advised against the use of motorcycles (Okadas) and small cars (Micras) on the bridge until the approaches have cured for 14 days, after which vehicles will be allowed to pass.