FRSC Deploys Officers for Traffic Control as Niger Bridge Closure Begins
Motorists travelling through Onitsha and its environs may have to brace for heavier traffic as the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has deployed personnel to strategic locations ahead of the temporary closure of the First Niger Bridge.
The closure is scheduled to begin on Monday, September 7, 2026, and is expected to put additional pressure on alternative routes, particularly the Second Niger Bridge, which will serve as the major diversion route.
The FRSC Anambra State Sector Command said the deployment was part of proactive measures being taken in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure effective traffic management, smooth vehicular movement and the safety of road users throughout the two-week closure period.
The Sector Public Education Officer, Margaret Onabe, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.
According to her, the Sector Commander, Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno, had on Saturday, September 5, embarked on a working visit and road audit along major routes connecting to the Second Niger Bridge.
The exercise was carried out in collaboration with the Sector Head of Operations, the Controller of the Federal Ministry of Works in Anambra State, Mr. Emenike Timothy, his Delta State counterpart, and the Commander of the Anambra State Traffic Management Agency.
The road audit focused on assessing routes expected to carry increased traffic during the closure and identifying areas requiring urgent intervention to prevent congestion and minimise the risk of road crashes.
The FRSC advised motorists to make use of the identified alternative routes, including the NkporāOld RoadāObosi route; OnitshaāOwerri Road from Upper Iweka; and Atani Road through Uga Junction to Harbour Industrial Layout.
The Sector Commander assured road users that the FRSC, in collaboration with other traffic management agencies and relevant stakeholders in Anambra and Delta States, was fully prepared to manage traffic and respond promptly to emergencies throughout the closure period.
Motorists were urged to plan their journeys ahead, obey traffic regulations and directives from traffic control personnel, avoid unnecessary stopping or parking along the affected routes, exercise patience and refrain from dangerous driving.
The Corps also appealed to members of the public to cooperate with personnel deployed to strategic locations, stressing that compliance with traffic regulations would be crucial to maintaining safe and seamless movement during the closure.
The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, had last week ordered the closure of the bridge to enable repair works.
The intervention, according to the authorities, is aimed at preserving and strengthening the bridge ahead of the expected increase in vehicular movement during the coming Yuletide period.
