Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos on Wednesday inaugurated the N2.5 billion Falomo on Ramp bridge built to ease traffic bottlenecks between Ikoyi and Victoria Island.

Inaugurating the bridge, Fashola said the project, which was jointly financed with private sector operators, was in consonance with the state government‘s Public Private Partnership (PPP) model for infrastructural development.

Fashola said the facility would significantly reduce travel time from the westbound lanes of Ozumba Mbadiwe avenue to Ikoyi as it provided a short cut for motorists to access the existing Falomo Bridge.

Reports said that the Falomo On-Ramp bridge built by Lekki Concession Company is a post-tensioned continuous deck of approximately 115 metres sited on five piers with each resting on four piles.

“The new N2.5 billion On –Ramp bridge is the first-ever bridge structure of this scale and specification anywhere in the country that has been constructed by a private investor under the PPP model.

“The bridge will make a significant contribution toward easing the traffic bottlenecks that have characterised this part of Victoria Island comprising Ozumba Nbadiwe avenue, Adeyemo Alakija, street intersection and others,’’ he said.

The governor also said he was committed to the rapid infrastructural development of all parts of the state, adding that his administration would strengthen partnership with the private sector to achieve the goal.

Also Speaking, Mr Ayo Gbeleyi, Special Adviser to the Governor on PPP, said the new bridge was a testimony to the benefits derivable from PPPs where private sector resources and expertise were leveraged by government in accelerating delivery of public infrastructure.

While saying the new bridge would improve road users experience, he appealed to motorists and other members of the public to reciprocate government‘s gesture by making judicious use of the facility and obeying traffic rules.