The second bridge over the Niger eases traffic, motorists excited

The Federal Government of Nigeria on Thursday opened the second Niger Bridge between Asaba in Delta State and Onitsha in Anambra State to motorists for temporary use.

The bridge was opened to the jubilation of road users.

The government has opened the bridge for temporary use for vehicles coming from the west to the southeast via Asaba from December 15, 2022 to January 15, 2023.

However, it was a mixed feeling for area residents, especially traders who used to get good deals during traffic jams, as they complained that the opportunity for them to make huge sales in traffic might not show up during this time. Christmas season.

Our correspondent, who visited the bridge on Thursday, observed that vehicles were crossing it from Asaba to Onitsha, without any hitch.

Motorists have expressed excitement that the bridge will be a relief to road users as it will help relieve congestion on the old Niger Bridge.

Public Works Minister Babatunde Fashola (SAN) said the temporary opening of the second bridge over the Niger was aimed at relieving traffic congestion from the old bridge over the Christmas period.< /p>

There was a heavy security presence on the bridge to ensure the lives and property of those using the bridge were safe on Thursday.

Speaking to our correspondent, the President of the Great Tippers Association of Nigeria, Anambra State Chapter, Chukwuebuka Unekwe, said he was delighted that the bridge will lead to free traffic, on the Onitsha road -Owerri because smaller vehicles will now be reduced on this axis.

Unekwe said: "While our trucks are not allowed on the road during this temporary opening, it is a relief for us as these smaller vehicles will now be using this location, reducing the number of vehicles at the old Niger River bridge.

"I have been on the bridge, it is very smooth and the vehicles were going very fast but I will advise them not to be deceived by the road and start to accelerate, thus putting their life in danger."

One ​​of the road users, who identified himself as Mathew Okafor, said the opening of the second bridge over the Niger is a great relief for travellers, especially at this time of Christmas.

According to him, "If someone has nothing to do in Onitsha, Nkpor and others, he will take the second Niger bridge to avoid the stress of crossing the Onitsha bridgehead. "

Another road user, Ifeanyi Uche, described the new bridge as a blessing for the Southeast and it is a welcome development.

He added that the stress people go through on the Onitsha Bridge was too much, noting that due to the stress on the bridge, many people barely get home for Christmas .

Onitsha Electronic Reseller Market Secretary Damian Ogudike said the opening of the new bridge was a good development.

He said the new bridge will reduce the stress one passes to the beachhead from Asaba in Delta State.

“Honestly, the immediate benefit is the alleviation of the stress people go through to cross the old bridgehead. I think it's a good decision and kudos to the federal government,” he said.

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