What is the longest bridge in West Africa?
There are many interesting design projects all across Africa. Bridges are some of the most incredible and useful architectural and engineering creation. There are many bridges of various width and length in West Africa. What is the longest bridge in West Africa?
Each part of the continent has its own record-breaking architectural masterpieces.
Longest bridge in West Africa
West Africa has 18 countries, including Nigeria and Ghana. With the population of over 360 million people, West Africa boasts bridges that are passed by millions of people not only from the continent but from all over the world.
Now close your eyes and envision a bridge that is nearly 12 kilometers long. Doesn’t it look impressive? This is the real size of the longest bridge in West Africa. Third Mainland Bridge is its unofficial name that is popular among Nigeria citizens and foreign visitors. This is the longest bridge in Nigeria and it links Lagos mainland with Lagos Island over beautiful lagoons.
Third Mainland Bridge
One of the most well-known African bridges also has a second name. It is officially called IBB bridge. These three letters are a popular abbreviation of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida. IBB was the military Head of State (President of Nigeria) in 1985-1993. This retired Nigerian Army General presented this incredible creation to the public 28 years ago.
Being officially opened in 1990, the bridge looks elegant, wide and allows good flow of traffic crossing it through the eight lanes. It was constructed by Julius Berger company.
The history behind the ‘second’ name Third Mainland is simple. There are 3 bridges that connect the mainland to the island in Lagos. IBB is simply referred to as the third one with the first and second one being Carter and Eko bridge.
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The complicated bridge construction is significant and impressive. It has a major economic importance for Lagos and all Nigeria. Tourists and Nigerian citizens love how this bridge sparkles at night with all the lights beings turned on.
Drivers have to follow particular speed requirements since the speed on IBB Bridge is limited to 70 km per hour. The movement is being constantly controlled by the recording cameras that are installed on special air platforms.
The IBB bridge isn’t the longest bridge in Africa. The 6th October Bridge’s length is even bigger, but the third mainland bridge is definitely the longest in West Africa and the second longest in Africa by its length. Its full distance is approximately 11.8 kilometers. It begins at Oworonshoki (mainland) and goes up to Adeniji Adele Transport Interchange (island) with the middle part going to Herbert Macaulay Way. Usually, you can ride from one end to the other end in 10-15 minutes, depending on your speed and traffic.
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Source: Legit.ng
