In preparation for the much-anticipated annual Lagos Women Run on Saturday, November 9, 2024, the Lagos State Government has announced a series of traffic diversions and partial road closures to ease the impact on motorists and ensure the smooth progression of the event.
The event, which sees thousands of women participating in a city-wide race, will affect traffic along key areas from Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) to Mobolaji Johnson Arena, requiring a coordinated plan to maintain traffic flow.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, all junctions and intersections from TBS to Mobolaji Johnson Arena will be blocked. Officials from LASTMA, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the Lagos State Neighborhood Corps (LSNC) will be stationed to manage the closures and minimize disruption.
Mr. Osiyemi emphasized that these measures are necessary to ensure a safe and efficient event for participants while facilitating alternate routes for motorists.
Key traffic closures and diversions
The race will begin at Tafawa Balewa Square, following a designated route that includes landmarks such as Water Board, Old NITEL, Outer Marina, Bonny Camp Bridge, Ahmadu Bello Way, Akin Adesola Street, Falomo Bridge, Awolowo Road, and culminates at Mobolaji Johnson Arena. Key portions of these areas will be partially closed, and traffic restrictions will be enforced to minimize interference with the race.
To aid motorists, the government has outlined alternative routes:
Third Mainland Bridge Access: Motorists traveling from Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue to the Third Mainland Bridge are advised to take the Bonny Camp route, connecting to the Onikan Underpass, Marina Exit, and Force Road to reach Outer Marina and onward to Third Mainland Bridge.
Ikoyi Road Access: For those heading toward Ikoyi Road from Apongbon, a diversion has been established via Odunlami Street, with access through Igbosere Road and Moloney Street.
Mr. Osiyemi also called on the public for patience, stressing that the partial closures are a temporary measure and are part of the Lagos State Government’s commitment to providing an organized, well-managed race environment.
He assured residents that officials are working to ensure minimal impact on traffic flow along these routes and urged all motorists to follow the designated diversions and observe posted directions for a seamless experience on race day.