By Sunny A. David, Awka
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra State Sector Command, has deployed personnel to strategic locations across Onitsha and surrounding areas ahead of the temporary closure of the First Niger Bridge.
The bridge is scheduled to be closed from September 7 to September 21, 2026, prompting the FRSC to put measures in place to ensure smooth vehicular movement and the safety of road users.
In a statement issued in Awka on Sunday, the Sector Public Education Officer, SRC Margaret Onabe, said the deployment was part of proactive measures by the Corps in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to effectively manage traffic throughout the two-week closure.
According to her, the Anambra State Sector Commander, Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno, disclosed the preparations following a working visit and road audit carried out on Saturday, September 5, along major routes leading to the Second Niger Bridge.
The Second Niger Bridge is expected to serve as one of the major alternative routes for motorists during the period of the closure.
The road audit was conducted in collaboration with officials of the Federal Ministry of Works from Anambra and Delta states, the FRSC operations team, and the Anambra State Traffic Management Agency.
The exercise was aimed at assessing alternative routes, identifying areas requiring urgent intervention and putting necessary measures in place to ensure free flow of traffic while reducing the risk of road crashes.
Motorists have been advised to use designated alternative routes leading to the Second Niger Bridge, including the Nkpor–Old Road–Obosi route, the Onitsha–Owerri Road through Upper Iweka, and the Atani Road through Uga Junction to the Harbour Industrial Layout.
The FRSC assured members of the public that it was working closely with other traffic management agencies and relevant stakeholders in Anambra and Delta states to manage traffic and respond promptly to emergencies throughout the closure.
Asekhauno urged motorists to properly plan their journeys, obey traffic regulations and directives from traffic officials, and avoid unnecessary stopping or parking along designated routes.
She also appealed to road users to remain patient and refrain from dangerous driving practices that could worsen traffic congestion or lead to accidents.
The FRSC further called on members of the public to cooperate with personnel deployed to various strategic locations, stressing that compliance with traffic regulations and the support of motorists would be crucial to ensuring safe and seamless movement throughout the period of the First Niger Bridge closure.
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