Assessment of the Impact of the Atani–Obosi Second Niger Bridge Access Route Construction on Land Surface Temperature

Transportation infrastructure is an important catalyst for economic development and regional integration; however, its construction frequently results in environmental modifications that alter local climatic conditions. This study assessed the impact of the Atani–Obosi Access Route of the Second Niger Bridge on Land Surface Temperature (LST) within the surrounding environment. The study employed a geospatial approach integrating remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and meteorological data analysis to evaluate thermal changes across the pre-construction, construction, and post-construction phases of the project. Multi-temporal Landsat imagery and complementary climatic datasets covering the period from 2017 to 2024 were analysed to determine spatial and temporal variations in surface temperature patterns. The findings revealed a consistent increase in LST throughout the study period, with the highest temperatures occurring in built-up and newly developed sections of the corridor. Areas characterized by vegetation cover and water bodies exhibited relatively lower temperatures due to their natural cooling functions. However, progressive land conversion and vegetation stress reduced the capacity of these natural systems to moderate thermal conditions. The observed thermal changes indicate the emergence of localized urban heat island effects associated with infrastructure-induced land-use transformation. The study concludes that while the Atani–Obosi Access Route has enhanced regional accessibility and socio-economic development, its construction has contributed to measurable modifications in local thermal regimes. The study recommends the incorporation of green infrastructure, ecological restoration programmes, and continuous thermal monitoring into transportation planning and environmental management frameworks. The findings provide important insights for sustainable infrastructure development and climate-sensitive planning in Nigeria.