LASG restricts movement for marathon

The Lagos State Government says there will be a restriction of vehicular movement on some major highways on Saturday, February 6, 2016.

The government explained that the move became necessary due to the 2016 Lagos International Marathon scheduled for Saturday, and billed to commence by 7am at the National Stadium, Surulere, and to terminate at the Eko Atlantic City.

It added that the marathon, which was last held in 1983, would be attended by over 20,000 athletes.

The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Transportation, Olanrewaju Elegushi, at a press conference on Wednesday, said the participants in the marathon would start from the National Stadium, Surulere and move through the Funsho Williams Avenue to the Ikorodu Road.

He added that they would pass through the Anthony Bridge to the Gbagada area, and move towards the Third Mainland Bridge, where they would pass through Obalende and Alfred Rewane roads to Lekki -Ikoyi Bridge, and would terminate the marathon at the Eko Atlantic City.

Elegushi said, “The marathon will commence by 7am. The restriction of traffic will, however, start from 6.30am and end at 1pm. Adequate arrangements have been put in place to ensure that security operatives and officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority barricade access roads to the highways that the marathoners will pass through.”

He called on all Lagosians to see the event, not only as a sporting event, but for its tourism content.

“As a people who are naturally friendly, we should display our positive attitude to visitors,” he added.

He said the restrictions would be lifted in batches as the marathoners pass through each area to ensure free flow of traffic.

While regretting any inconveniences that the residents might suffer as a result of the restriction, Elegushi said security operatives and LASTMA officials would be stationed to direct motorists to alternative routes which they could make use of.