Motorists stranded for hours as single lane remains open at Sinowa.

Severe traffic gridlock has trapped commuters on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway after a trailer accident in the early hours of Tuesday left only one lane open for movement.

PUNCH Metro gathered that the trailer fell at about 1am on Tuesday at the Sinowa section of the outbound carriageway and was still on the road as of Tuesday morning. The incident forced all vehicles to squeeze through a single lane, triggering a massive backlog.

In frustration, some motorists abandoned the expressway for alternative routes, cutting through inner roads and bush paths. The diversion created fresh congestion in Mowe and Ofada as traffic spilled into residential areas.

Confirming the incident, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority spokesperson, Akinbiyi Babatunde, said the crash caused a major obstruction to free traffic flow.

“The crash, which occurred along the outbound carriageway at Sinowa, has resulted in a major obstruction to the free flow of traffic. The situation has been further compounded by impatient motorists attempting to leave their designated lane and cross into the opposite section of the expressway,” he said.

Akinbiyi noted that operatives from LASTMA, TRACE, FRSC and the police have been deployed to manage the situation and restore normal flow. He urged drivers to stay patient and obey traffic instructions.

“TRACE, FRSC and the police have been deployed to the affected areas as they strive to normalise traffic flow. Motorists are advised to exercise patience, avoid driving against traffic and refrain from lane indiscipline,” he added.

He also advised commuters to use alternative routes where possible, including the Old Lagos-Sango-Ifo-Ewekoro-Abeokuta Expressway, the Sagamu-Sotubo-Ogijo-Ikorodu Expressway and the Ijebu-Ode-Epe Expressway.

As of Tuesday morning, congestion was still building on both sides of the expressway, with authorities working to evacuate the fallen trailer and clear the road.

Source: PUNCH Metro, LASTMA.