Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has said the reinforced concrete pavement being used on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is designed to last between 50 and 100 years with minimal maintenance.
Umahi said the technology was part of the Federal Government’s plan to build durable roads capable of handling heavy traffic and reduce frequent reconstruction.
“We are talking of 50 to 100-year guarantee for reinforced concrete pavement, with low maintenance,” the minister said.
He disclosed that work on the 55-kilometre Section Two of the coastal highway was progressing, with the concrete pavement expected to be completed in November.
Umahi, however, said some bridges and flyovers would take longer to complete due to engineering challenges around the Dangote Refinery and Lekki Deep Sea Port corridors.
He explained that the structures must be designed to accommodate heavy-duty trucks while taking the soil conditions of the area into account.
The minister also disclosed plans to improve drainage along the completed section of the highway.
“We are creating five-foot drainage channels on both sides, and culverts will cross the coastal highway to connect to Lagos State drainage channels that lead to the lagoon,” he said.
Umahi maintained that the road was designed to withstand the environmental and traffic pressures associated with the coastal corridor.
