The Lagos State government has announced the preferred bidder for the construction of the 4th Mainland Bridge.
This was contained in a communiqué signed by the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Aramide Adeyoye, and the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Public-Private Partnerships, Mr. Ope George.
The Lagos State Government made it known that it has selected Messrs. CCECC-CRCCIG Consortium as the preferred bidder to handle the construction of the proposed Fourth Mainland Bridge project.
Speaking while presenting the report to members of the press in Ikeja this week, Mr. George revealed that the Fourth Mainland Bridge project would include the construction of a greenfield tolled road. He also noted that six bidders met the qualification criteria of the committee and that making a final decision was not an easy task.
“The bids have now been evaluated and Messrs. CCECC-CRCCIG Consortium emerged as the preferred bidder, while Messrs. MOTA-ENGIL (Nigeria and Africa), CCCC and CRBC Consortium as the reserved bidders for the Fourth Mainland Bridge project,” he said.
Many social commentators have commended the governor for matching words with action, saying that the early announcement of the construction company was a testament to the government’s determination to commence work on the project by April 2023, as earlier stated. Some critics, however, say they have concerns in connection with the bidding process.
You will recall that the government had earlier released the names of three bidders who were shortlisted out of the hundreds that sent in bids for the contract to construct the multi-billion dollar bridge project.
Earlier this year, a list of the shortlisted bidders who moved into the RFP Stage II was released. They included Mota-Engil (Nigeria & Africa) CCCC & CRBC consort, CGGC-CGC Joint Venture, and CCECC & CRCCIG.
All You Need to Know About the Proposed Fourth Mainland Bridge
The proposed Fourth Mainland Bridge is a 38-kilometre bridge project estimated to cost about $2.5 billion. According to the Lagos State Government, the funding for the construction of the bridge would be generated through Public-Private partnership and it will be tolled for two years.
There has been a need for the construction of a fourth Mainland Bridge following the heavy traffic situation constantly experienced in Lagos State. To solve the traffic congestion, the bridge will connect the Island to the Mainland.
By completing the already existing bridges in Lagos State—Carter Bridge, Eko Bridge, and Third Mainland Bridge—the government hopes to solve the traffic congestion in the state.
The proposed Fourth Mainland Bridge will span from Abraham Adesanya in Ajah, Eti-Osa, Lekki-Epe Expressway, flying across the lagoon shoreline of the state to link with the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway via Owutu/Isawo in Ikorodu.
Once completed, a journey that usually takes up to 4 hours will take around 30 minutes to complete.
Although the proposed construction of the Fourth Mainland Bridge has received commendations from many stakeholders, critics say they are concerned about the number of buildings that have been earmarked for demolition to house the construction.
After completion, the bridge will become the second-longest bridge in Africa. It will feature three toll plazas, nine interchanges, an additional 4.5 km Lagoon Bridge, etc. It is expected to be ready by 2026.
