The Lagos State Government has announced a planned eight-hour road closure and traffic diversion for the motoring public along some identified routes for the Lagos City Marathon, slated for Saturday, February 15, 2025.
State Commissioner for Transportation Oluwaseun Osiyemi announced this on Tuesday, ahead of the marathon, which will take place between 5:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
These roads will be temporarily closed to vehicular traffic during the event while travelers are advised to plan their journeys in advance and consider alternative route.
According to Osiyemi, “The marathon will commence at the National Stadium, Surulere, proceeding through Ikorodu Road towards Anthony (Bertola), then moving through Gbagada to access the Third Mainland Bridge, heading inbound Lagos Island.
“From there, it will continue through Dolphin Road, leading to Alfred Rewane Road and onward to Falomo Roundabout. The race will continue through Bourdillon Road, crossing the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge to connect Admiralty Way.
“From Admiralty Way, the route extends to Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, continues through Akin Adesola, and concludes at Ahmadu Bello Way, Eko Atlantic.
“To this end, all adjoining Roads, Junctions and Intersections from National Stadium (Starting Point) to Ahmadu Bello Way (Eko Atlantic, End Point of the race) will be blocked with Concrete Barriers, manned by LASTMA, NPF, FRSC, LSNC, LAWMA to prevent other road users access to the main race corridor.”
Travel advisory
In light of this, the following alternative routes have been mapped out for motorists to ensure seamless commuting during the marathon:
Mainland to Island
Motorists from Ikeja and its environs heading to Victoria Island should ply Ikorodu Road/Funsho Williams Avenue to connect Eko Bridge, then proceed via Outer Marina to their destinations.
Motorists from Badagry, Mile 2, and surrounding areas en route to Victoria Island should pass through Apapa via Orile, then link Eko Bridge and continue through Outer Marina.
Motorists from Surulere and its environs should access the island via Iponri/Iganmu, linking Eko Bridge to reach Outer Marina.
Motorists from Lagos-Ibadan Expressway (Mowe and nearby areas) should take the Ojota Slip Road, connect Ikorodu Road, and continue through Funsho Williams Avenue to Eko Bridge.
Motorists from Okota should ply Mile 2/Orile, connecting to Eko Bridge and Outer Marina.
Motorists from Sango-Otta should pass through Mushin, link Funsho Williams Avenue (Western Avenue), and proceed to Eko Bridge via Outer Marina.
Motorists from Epe-Lekki Expressway (Epe, Ajah, Lekki, and environs) should take Marwa Junction, connect Admiralty Way, and cross the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge to their destinations.
Island to the Mainland during the marathon
Motorists from Lagos Island to the Mainland will be diverted to Apongbon Bridge, then Eko Bridge, accessing Costain Roundabout, Iponri, and Bode Thomas. Alternatively, they can take Eko Bridge through Costain Roundabout, linking Apapa Road to Oyingbo/Jebba and then Herbert Macaulay Road.
Motorists can also drive through Victoria Island to link Independence Bridge and CMS Bridge, then proceed via Apongbon to Ijora-Olopa, Iddo, and Oyingbo, connecting Herbert Macaulay Road.
“The Third Mainland Bridge will remain closed to traffic heading towards Lagos Island but will be accessible to motorists traveling to the Mainland,” Osiyemi explained.
However, he reassured residents that traffic management officials would be deployed to minimize disruptions and urged the public to plan their trips accordingly by using alternative routes and other modes of transportation.
Osiyemi also urged motorists “to be patient as the partial/total closure is part of the traffic management plans for the 10th Edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon Race 2025 and will end at Eko Atlantic.
“To this end, the aforementioned roads will be temporarily closed off to vehicular traffic during the marathon.”
