Not even the very successful Lagos Blue Line metro in the corridor could stop him. Today, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has commenced a big project that will turn Mile 2 into a modern transportation hub.
The Lagos State government has begun the construction of an intermodal transport terminal at the interchange in Mile 2 – a very busy axis in the city connecting the international gateway of Lagos-Badagry expressway to the rest of the state and country.
By its location, Mile 2 is not only strategic, it is a veritable location of commuter interchange. As it provides a great ground for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), metro, Lagos State Ferry Services Corporation (LAGFERRY) and other transportation choices.
Mile 2 gives a direct connection to Benin Republic and other West African countries, it is also a stone throw to the Apapa ports complex, on the opposite direction leads to Oshodi, international airport and the rest of the mainland and access out of the state towards the Lagos-Ibadan highway and the rest of the country.
Mile 2 also provides access to Surulere, Iganmu, Wole Soyinka Centre for Art and Culture, and Lagos Island.
It is because of this that the Sanwo-Olu administration chose to construct an intermodal transport terminal there, connecting the Kirikiri channel to other parts of the state, providing water transportation experience in a safer and efficient manner.
It is therefore not a surprise that the state is taking 15 months to deliver this project. As a result, there will be a one year and three months traffic diversion in the area.
Good enough, the Ministry of Transportation under Oluwaseun Osiyemi and the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) – the managers of the project – have teamed up to ensure a seamless diversion windows for motorists. The commissioner emphasised the importance of public cooperation, highlighting that collective support is essential to the success of the project.
He noted that the construction on the new Transport Interchange Terminal at Mile 2 aligns with the broader vision of LAMATA to develop sustainable and efficient transportation infrastructure throughout Lagos.
Here are the routes to avoid the project site:
* Oshodi-Bound Traffic: Motorists traveling from Apapa to Oshodi should proceed along the current traffic flow without diversion.
* Badagry-Bound Traffic: Drivers heading toward Badagry from Apapa are advised to continue on the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, then divert onto Akinwande Road to connect with Coker and access the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
Lagos-Bound Traffic: Those traveling to Lagos from Badagry can follow the established route.
* Apapa-Bound Traffic: Motorists bound for Apapa will be rerouted onto Durban Road, passing through Amuwo Odofin Estate to rejoin the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway.
The commissioner noted that officers from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) would be on hand along these routes to manage traffic flow throughout the project duration.
The Mile 2 and Marina Transport Interchange Terminal projects are key components of Phase 1 of the Lagos State Transport Master Plan Project. It is part of the state’s vision for an integrated, multimodal transportation system.
The Mile 2 project is supported by Agence Française de Développement. It seeks to unify water, rail, bus, and non-motorized transportation into cohesive hubs, improving accessibility and connectivity across Lagos.
Intermodal transport terminals like the one at Mile 2, play a crucial role in enhancing transportation efficiency and reducing congestion in urban areas. By integrating different transportation modes, such as road, rail, and water, these terminals provide a seamless and efficient travel experience for passengers and freight.
The terminal has already attracted foreign investment from France and further investment will come locally which will generate employment opportunities, and stimulate economic growth in the surrounding areas.
Other benefits include reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and dependence on fossil fuels. It will also improve safety by reducing the number of vehicles on the road and minimizing the risk of accidents.
By this project, Sanwo-Olu and his team are leveraging intermodal transport terminals like this new one under construction in Mile 2, to enhance the state’s transportation network, reduce congestion, and promote sustainable economic growth.
