Plizio Visual Lab
Third Mainland Bridge
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
The Third Mainland Bridge is the longest of three bridges connecting Lagos Island to the mainland, serving as a critical artery for the city's transport network. Stretching approximately 11.8 kilometers (7.3 miles), it was the longest bridge in Africa from its completion in 1990 until 1996. The bridge was constructed by Julius Berger Nigeria PLC and officially opened by President Ibrahim Babangida. It spans the Lagos Lagoon, starting from Oworonshoki and ending at the Adeniji Adele Interchange on Lagos Island. Due to the massive volume of daily commuters, the bridge is well-known for its heavy traffic congestion during peak hours. In recent years, it has undergone several rounds of structural repairs and upgrades to ensure the safety of its thousands of users. The Third Mainland Bridge is more than just a roadway; it is an iconic engineering feat that reflects the immense scale and economic vitality of Lagos.
- Location: Nigeria
- Nearby: Lekki (36 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 26 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 28 | 33 | 74 | 133 | 203 | 266 | 237 | 135 | 277 | 221 | 80 | 27 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Third Mainland Bridge is a public road bridge - it cannot be crossed on foot as it is exclusively for vehicular traffic. Viewing is only possible from a car, for example as a passenger.
Typical hours
The bridge is open to traffic 24/7, but the best time to drive across is early morning or late evening to avoid congestion. Weekend traffic is usually lighter.
Photography
Photography from the bridge while driving is allowed, but stopping is prohibited, even on the hard shoulder. Remarkable shots of the lagoon and Lagos skyline can be taken from the passenger seat.
Time needed
Driving the full length of the bridge in normal traffic takes about 15-20 minutes. If caught in traffic, the crossing can easily take 45 minutes or longer.
Combine with
Combine the bridge drive with a visit to Lagos Island, such as the National Museum or Tafawa Balewa Square. Bar Beach at the bridge's end is also worth a stop.
Getting there
The bridge is accessible via several ramps from Lagos Mainland and Lagos Island. A private car or taxi (e.g., via ride-hailing apps) is the most practical way to experience it.
Insider tip
Plan the crossing outside peak hours (e.g., 10 AM-3 PM) to enjoy a relaxed view of the lagoon. Keep your camera ready, but remember stopping is prohibited.
Geography
Facts
- The bridge has a total length of 11.8 kilometers.
- It was commissioned by President Ibrahim Babangida in 1990.
- Julius Berger Nigeria PLC completed the construction project.
- The bridge consists of 8 lanes for vehicular traffic.
- It connects the mainland at Oworonshoki to Lagos Island.
- It was the longest bridge in Africa until the 6th October Bridge in Cairo was finished.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Third Mainland Bridge (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How long is the bridge?
It is about 11 kilometers long.
Is there traffic?
Yes, it is notorious for heavy traffic.
Can I walk there?
No, it is a motorway.
When is the least traffic?
At night or very early in the morning.
Is it architecturally significant?
Yes, it is an important landmark.
Third Mainland Bridge: where is it located?
Third Mainland Bridge is located in Nigeria.
Third Mainland Bridge: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Third Mainland Bridge: why is it worth visiting?
The Third Mainland Bridge is the longest of three bridges connecting Lagos Island to the mainland, serving as a critical artery for the city's transport network.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Africa
More places in Nigeria →
Nearby cities
Lagos
Lagos is the most populous city in Nigeria and the largest financial and economic center in West Africa.
Ikeja
Ikeja is the capital of Lagos State, home to the bustling Murtala Muhammed Airport.
Lekki
Lekki is the upscale peninsula of Lagos, famous for its luxury beaches, modern shopping malls, and major nature conservation center.
History & landmarks
Jaekel House
Jaekel House is a classic colonial-era mansion in Lagos that now houses a railway museum.
National Arts Theatre
The National Arts Theatre in Lagos is the primary center for the performing arts in Nigeria.
Teslim Balogun Stadium
The Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos is a major multi-purpose sports facility named after a famous Nigerian footballer.
Independence House Lagos
The Independence House in Lagos was the first high-rise building constructed after Nigeria's independence in 1960.
Cathedral Church of Christ Lagos
The Cathedral Church of Christ on the Marina in Lagos is one of the oldest and most well-known Anglican cathedrals in Nigeria, famous for…
Tafawa Balewa Square
Tafawa Balewa Square in central Lagos is a historic square where Nigeria's independence was celebrated in 1960.
Freedom Park Lagos
Freedom Park in Lagos was built on the site of the former colonial Broad Street Prison.
NECOM House
NECOM House in Lagos is the tallest building in Nigeria.
More places
Apapa Port Complex
The largest and most important port in Nigeria, handling a large portion of the country's international trade.
Tin Can Island Port
A major seaport in Lagos that relieves the Apapa port and handles many RoRo ships.
Lekki Conservation Centre
A protected wetland in Lagos featuring a famous canopy walkway.
Dangote Refinery
The largest single-train oil refinery in the world, designed to drastically reduce Nigeria's reliance on fuel imports.
First Storey Building
The oldest storey building in Nigeria, built by Christian missionaries in Badagry.
Badagry Slave Port
A historic port and route that served as a major transit point during the transatlantic slave trade.
Lekki Deep Sea Port
Nigeria's most modern and deepest seaport, designed to handle large container ships.
🗺️
Lekki Lagoon
A lagoon near the coast near Lagos.