The executive governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday, said his administration was concerned about the safety of Lagosians, hence, the construction of bridges across rail lines in the state.

The governor stated this during the unveiling of the Yaba Overpass at Tejuosho Junction in Yaba on Thursday that his administration has begun the construction of four bridges across rail lines between Oyingbo and Ikeja to prevent “avoidable fatal accidents on railway crossings.”

The Yaba Overpass, which will service the Red Line rail station, is a T-bridge design that is one of five bridges built by the Lagos State Government out of ten to segregate automotive and train traffic. The remaining five will be handled by the federal government.

Speaking at the inauguration, Sanwo-Olu said, “About three years ago, we commenced the construction of four bridges across rail lines between Oyingbo and Ikeja. The bridges, located at Ikeja, Mushin, Yaba and Oyingbo, are designed to ensure the safety of our people.

“Over the years, we have recorded avoidable fatal accidents on railway crossings, most of the time due to human errors. We recall the last one which occurred in March this year at PWD/Ikeja GRA level crossing involving a Lagos State government staff bus. Sadly, lives were lost and people suffered varying degrees of injury in that accident.

“Today’s ceremony is, therefore, significant because, with this overpass and others at Ikeja, Mushin and Oyingbo, which will be formally opened before the end of the year, there will be no more occurrence of train-vehicular accidents at these locations.”

The governor, while speaking on the projected completion of the Red Line rail before the end of the year, said the construction of the Green, Purple and Orange Lines rail system would commence soon.

“It’s my pleasure to announce that three additional rail lines will be added soon, because we’ve done extensive feasibility and viability studies. The Green Line is a 68km rail route from Marina all the way to the Lekki Free Trade Zone. The Purple Line is a 60km length all the way from the Redemption camp in Ogun State to Ojo Majority in Lagos West region. And, of course, we also want to do the Orange Line, from Agbowa in Ikorodu to Ikeja,” he said.

He added that the implementation of the rail lines across the state “will improve the travel experience of our people, reduce congestion, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve their lifestyles.”

Sanwo-Olu called on residents of the state to take ownership of the transport projects across the state and protect them.

He also warned that the bridges are not to be turned into places where traders display their wares.

“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, our transport projects have been implemented at a huge cost. We should not feel unconcerned when societal enemies are bent on destroying our commonwealth. We should be concerned because great societies are built and sustained when their people take ownership of their infrastructure.

“I, therefore, ask you all to protect this bridge from vandals and other societal enemies.

“For the avoidance of doubt, let me reiterate that this bridge is not a marketplace; the steps, ramps, and sidewalks are not for displaying wares.

“Our law enforcement agencies have been given strict instructions to ensure zero tolerance for any misuse of this facility.”

The governor added, “I also want to use this opportunity to serve the last notice to all those who are engaged in illegal trading on the railway tracks. For your own safety and the safety of others, pack your wares and display items and leave the tracks immediately.

“Equally, I want to appeal to our informal bus operators that the era of lining their buses on the roadway is over. Please ensure that buses are parked within the space provided for your operations.”

Speaking on the Red Line rail which, according to Sanwo-Olu, will be ready for use before the end of the year after all the overpasses are ready, the Managing Director, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, Mrs Abimbola Akinajo, said the service would convey over one million passengers daily when it is fully operational.

Akinajo, in her remarks, noted that “As part of the Red Line rail project, the Yaba overpass is one of the five bridges the Lagos State Government agreed with the Federal Ministry of Transport to build to separate vehicular and train traffic and therefore eliminate incessant accidents on railway level crossings.

“The other bridges are at Pen Cinema, which is already completed and in use, Ikeja, Mushin, and Oyingbo. The Federal Ministry of Transport also agreed to construct five bridges at Jonathan Coker around Fagba off Iju Road, Asade Market, which has been completed and is already in use, Sogunle, Ilupeju bypass and Fadeyi. The bridges are an essential part of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Red Line rail project to ensure the safety of the people of Lagos.

“Today, I can confirm that three out of the four remaining bridges have been completed. The only one outstanding is the Mushin overpass due for completion by the end of the year.

“In the coming weeks, Mr Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, will be commissioning them one after the other starting with the Yaba overpass today until the main project, the LRMT Red Line, is commissioned for operations.

“The Red Line, when opened for passenger operations, will have an exponential effect on the economy of Lagos State. The 37-kilometre Red Line is expected to move more than one million passengers daily when fully operational. This train line will reduce congestion, and emissions and facilitate easy movement for commuters and goods.”