There has been a fresh development at the ongoing rehabilitation of the First Niger Bridge, popularly known as Onitsha Head Bridge, with space now provided for motorists to make U-turns around the construction area.
The development comes days after concerns were raised over how motorists would manoeuvre if vehicles broke down within the newly demarcated lanes on the bridge.
The provision is expected to give motorists an alternative manoeuvring point and reduce the risk of a broken-down vehicle completely obstructing traffic.
The Federal Government recently introduced a central demarcation on the bridge as part of the ongoing rehabilitation works, separating traffic travelling towards Onitsha from vehicles heading towards Asaba.
The move generated mixed reactions among motorists and other road users.
Some commuters welcomed the arrangement, saying separating traffic directions could improve order and reduce conflicts between vehicles travelling in opposite directions.
Others, however, raised concerns about the narrow lanes and what could happen if a heavy-duty vehicle broke down, caught fire or was involved in an accident.
One of the concerns specifically raised was the ability of other motorists and emergency-response vehicles to manoeuvre around an obstruction.
The newly provided U-turn space represents an adjustment to the traffic arrangement around the ongoing reconstruction site.
With an identified space for vehicles to turn around, motorists are expected to have greater flexibility when traffic conditions or an obstruction makes it necessary to change direction.
The development is particularly relevant given the heavy commercial traffic that normally uses the First Niger Bridge to connect Onitsha in Anambra State with Asaba in Delta State.
The traffic-management changes are taking place alongside emergency rehabilitation of the ageing bridge.
The Federal Government had closed the bridge earlier in September after discovering that critical components, including bolts, nuts and portions of the expansion-joint steelwork, had been vandalised.
The closure was subsequently extended because of persistent rainfall, with Works Minister David Umahi insisting that the bridge would not be reopened until critical structural repairs were completed.
The Federal Road Safety Corps has also said it is working with other security and traffic-management agencies to minimise disruptions and protect motorists throughout the rehabilitation period.
The latest provision comes as work continues on the strategic bridge, which carries significant traffic between the South-East and South-South.
Motorists are expected to continue following traffic signs, obey instructions from traffic-control personnel and exercise caution around the construction areas.
The Federal Government has said safety remains a priority as rehabilitation progresses, while the FRSC has assured road users that traffic-control measures will be deployed as necessary.
The provision of the U-turn space could therefore ease one of the major concerns raised following the introduction of the new demarcation, although motorists will continue to watch how the arrangement performs as traffic volumes increase.
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