The Federal Government says the first rehabilitated phase of the Old Niger Bridge linking Anambra and Delta states will reopen to traffic next week.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed this during an inspection of the ongoing rehabilitation work on the bridge.

According to Vanguard, the rehabilitation followed the vandalisation of some critical components of the bridge, with replacement and resurfacing works now nearing completion.

Umahi said the completed section would be reopened next week, while further rehabilitation and safety upgrades continue on the bridge.

The minister also directed the removal of illegal structures and roadblocks around the bridge, as well as improvements to lighting and security surveillance.