The Federal government today temporarily opened the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which has been undergoing major repairs for close to two decades.

The opening brought instant relief to residents, travellers and users of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway corridor.

Speaking with our correspondent, the Federal Controller of Works Mr Fred Kuti said impediments on all the junctions on the expressway were being removed to pave way for free flow of traffic, especially during the Yuletide.

Kuti debunked speculations in the social media that the road would have been opened earlier, saying no date was fixed for the opening of the road earlier than December 19.

The controller said the reason was to give relief to travellers during the festive period.

On phone yesterday, Kuti added: “I am on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway right now for a final check on the road before we open it up tomorrow (today). It is not as if we gave another date apart from this. I have had cause to debunk such reports. We are going to open up all areas that were blocked to pave the way for free flow of traffic during the festivities.”

He said the roads would be closed again after the festivities for works to continue on its repairs and rehabilitation.

According to him, it is in the interest of everybody that the road be closed so that the work would be completed on schedule.

Kuti said the Ministry of Works resolved to remove all barriers at affected junctions to ensure free flow of traffic, thereby reducing the pains and stress of travellers, motorists and commuters.

The controller, who thanked the motoring public for their understanding, patience and cooperation throughout the period of the closure and diversion on portions of the road, added that the opening was intended to absorb the high volume of traffic due to the Christmas and New Year festivities, with many people travelling in and out of Lagos State.