Lagos State Government has announced a traffic diversion plan to accommodate the maiden edition of the 10-kilometer Capital City Race, set to take place on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
The event, which is expected to attract over a thousand runners, will result in significant road closures and diversions across key areas in Ikeja and surrounding districts.
In a statement released on Friday, the state’s Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, highlighted that the race will take place between 5:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
As a result, several major roads will be partially closed to vehicular traffic during this period.
The affected routes include the stretch from Shoprite Alausa Ikeja to Billings Way, continuing to Kudirat Abiola Way, and passing through Opebi Link Bridge, Opebi Glo Tower, and Allen Avenue.
Other areas earmarked for temporary closures include GTBank on Adeniyi Jones, AP Filling Station on Oba Akran Avenue, and the Samsung Authorised Service Centre leading up to the Police College Sports Secretariat/Gym.
The closures will extend to key junctions and intersections along the race corridor, with traffic being diverted to alternate routes.
Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), alongside the police, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the Lagos Neighborhood Safety Corps, will be stationed at various points to manage the diversions and ensure the smooth flow of traffic.
Barriers will be placed along the routes to prevent other vehicles from entering the race corridor.
Osiyemi further urged motorists to exercise patience and cooperate with the authorities. As the race progresses, officials will intermittently reopen blocked junctions to allow road users to access them when safe.
However, the commissioner emphasized that full access to all closed areas would only be granted once the race concludes.
The 10-kilometer Capital City Race, which is expected to become an annual event, is a significant sporting initiative aimed at promoting fitness and encouraging healthy living among Lagosians.
The race will also provide a platform for the state to showcase its infrastructural progress and urban landscape.
Organizers have promised a well-managed event with safety measures in place for both participants and spectators. While traffic disruptions are expected, authorities have reassured the public that efforts will be made to minimize inconvenience during the event.
Residents and commuters in the affected areas are advised to plan their travel accordingly, particularly if they need to pass through these key intersections. Alternative routes and updates on the diversions will be provided by the relevant authorities in the days leading up to the race.
As Lagos continues to position itself as a leading hub for both business and sporting events, the successful hosting of the Capital City Race will undoubtedly highlight the city’s growing commitment to promoting public health and well-being.
