The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has directed the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to stop heavy-duty trucks from using the Olaiya Bridge in Osogbo, the state capital.

The governor cited safety concerns based on technical reports regarding the condition of the bridge as the reason for the decision.

A statement released by the governor’s spokesman, Olawale Rasheed, on Monday, said that Adeleke had earlier presided over a security council meeting in Osogbo, where the decision was made.

The statement partly read: “The decision became necessary to protect the bridge from possible collapse and to prevent any untoward incidents caused by the continuous passage of heavy trucks.”

Describing the move as a precautionary measure, Governor Adeleke instructed the Ministry to erect barricades across the bridge, allowing only cars and buses to pass through.

As part of the directive’s implementation, the Governor also instructed the Ministry to issue a travel advisory, supported by radio jingles, to inform the public and those in the transport sector.

He assured citizens that the decision was made to safeguard the public and protect state infrastructure, while a thorough review of the bridge’s technical condition would be conducted by the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.

PUNCH