Nigeria’s Bi-Courtney Highway Services (BCHSL) will begin the reconstruction of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway at the Ibadan end, instead of from Lagos as originally planned.

The decision to start the project in Ibadan was taken following a meeting between the company and Oyo state governor Abiola Ajimobi. Previously, BCHSL had been awarded a 25-year concession contract worth N90bn ($559m) for the work.

The 105km development involves complete reconstruction of the existing carriageways from Lagos to Ibadan, as well as two additional lanes in each direction between the Lagos and Sagamu interchange, making it four lanes in each direction.

The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is a direct link between Lagos, Ibadan and other regions of the western states and beyond; it is also connected to the eastern and northern parts of the country.

The scope of work also involves the provision of facilities for the security of road users and free flow of traffic by providing parking areas for heavy duty vehicles and emergency transport.

Other facilities include electronic traffic control and enforcement measures, highway lighting during the night through the deployment of a gas-fired plant; overhead pedestrian bridges at designated locations; toll points with electronic tolling system; and enhanced road signs and lane markings.

Last September, BCHSL said the expressway will have 14 pedestrian bridges to make crossing the road safe for pedestrians after the completion of the road. The bridges will reduce congestion and accidents on the road; the company had already revamped the 600m stretch at Ibafo, the southbound carriageway.

Upon completion, BCHSL noted that the expressway would have enhanced facilities such as dawn lighting, as well as upgraded and new interchanges.