The Federal Government has warned that the Lagos section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway could be temporarily closed if motorists and other road users fail to comply with safety rules amid reports of repeated crashes, vandalism and illegal activities.
Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Olufemi Dare, said authorities were concerned about speeding, illegal parking by articulated vehicles, unauthorized U-turns, motorcycle and tricycle operations, roadside trading, animal grazing and vandalism.
Dare said the Minister of Works had directed that closure could be considered if conditions did not improve within two weeks.
He noted that motorists could use the Lekki-Epe Expressway as an alternative route.
The Lagos segment of the coastal highway comprises Section One, extending about 47.474 kilometers from the end of Ahmadu Bello Way to Eleko Junction, and Section Two, running about 56 kilometers from Eleko to Ode-Omi at the Lagos-Ogun boundary.
Dare said the overall Lagos stretch was about 103 kilometers.
Although the pavement on Section One had been completed, he said 10 bridges were still under construction and warned motorists not to treat the route as a fully completed expressway.
According to him, some motorists were driving at speeds of 100 to 120 kilometers per hour despite ongoing construction and a prescribed speed limit of 30 kilometers per hour.
He said fatal crashes had become a serious concern.
The government also announced tougher enforcement against trucks and trailers parked along the highway.
Dare said police deployment would be increased and vehicles parked illegally would be clamped or towed.
He also restated restrictions on illegal U-turns, motorcycles and tricycles and said more than 100 motorcycles had been apprehended in the previous week.
Roadside hawking, unauthorized settlements, shanties and animal grazing were also identified as enforcement targets.
Dare said about 10 locations had been identified as illegal settlements and warned that some could become criminal hideouts.
Vandalism remained another major concern.
He said about five kilometers of clear-view fencing had been removed and manhole covers along an 18-kilometer stretch had been stolen.
Directional road signs had also been targeted because of their metal content.
Dare said some coastal guards had been attacked, with two reportedly stabbed.
The government is also preparing to clear truck congestion around the Deep Sea Port and surrounding areas.
He said a 14-day ultimatum to truck operators had expired and a joint task force would begin enforcement to prevent the corridor from developing congestion similar to the long-running traffic problems associated with Apapa.
