The Federal Government has confirmed that repair works on the Koton-Karfe bridge along the Lokoja-Abuja highway are almost complete, following damage caused by a fuel tanker fire.
Federal Works Commissioner in Kogi State, Gana Patiko, provided the update while addressing concerns raised in a viral video circulating on social media, which suggested the bridge posed imminent danger to road users.
Patiko explained that the damage occurred when a tanker driver lost control of his vehicle and crashed under the bridge, causing a fire that affected one lane of the structure.
“Our team of engineers responded swiftly, and we are now at the final stage of the repairs. We appeal to motorists and commuters to remain patient and cooperative as we work to restore full use of the bridge,” he said.
To ensure safety during the repairs, the affected lane has been closed to traffic, and vehicles are being diverted to the alternate lane.
Patiko also highlighted other major infrastructure works ongoing in Kogi State, including the Chintako-Ayingba road, Lokoja-Okene-Benin road, and the Abaji–Koton-Karfe corridor.
He noted that two different contractors are handling the Abuja-Lokoja road project. Crete Construction Company is building a Continuous Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) on the Koton-Karfe–Abaji section, while Geld Construction Company is laying flexible pavement from Abaji to Koton-Karfe.
The design, he explained, is based on traffic flow patterns—heavy-duty vehicles moving north are routed over the CRCP segment, while lighter southbound vehicles use the flexible pavement.
