By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Road Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA) has issued an important travel advisory to motorists ahead of the planned temporary closure of the First Niger Bridge linking Onitsha in Anambra State with Asaba in Delta State.
The agency reminded motorists that the bridge would be closed from tomorrow Monday, September 7, 2026, for two weeks to enable necessary emergency maintenance and rehabilitation works to be carried out on the bridge.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ARTMA, Engr. Emeka Konti-Okonkwo (Konti-Komplete), motorists travelling towards Asaba and other parts of Delta State were advised to use alternative routes connecting to the Second Niger Bridge.
According to the advisory, motorists can access the Second Niger Bridge through the New Parts Flyover–Nkpor Roundabout–Obosi route, while another option is the Upper Iweka Flyover–Owerri Road–Oba route, both of which lead to the Second Niger Bridge.
ARTMA also advised motorists already around the First Niger Bridge and its environs when the closure takes effect to safely retrace their route towards the Upper Iweka Flyover and connect through the alternative route to the Second Niger Bridge.
The agency said its personnel would be strategically deployed at major diversion points to assist with traffic management and ensure a smoother flow of vehicles throughout the period of the closure.
It added that temporary road signs would also be provided at relevant locations to guide motorists and other road users along the diversion routes.
ARTMA urged motorists to strictly obey traffic signs and directions from its officers, drive patiently and responsibly, and plan their journeys ahead of time to minimise delays and inconvenience.
The agency assured road users that the measures were aimed at ensuring safe and orderly movement during the period of the bridge closure.
