Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has officially broken ground on the construction of two China-funded overpass bridges in Monrovia, marking a major step toward alleviating traffic congestion in the capital’s bustling suburb of Congo Town.
The infrastructure initiative, located along Tubman Boulevard near the Ministerial Complex and the SKD Boulevard intersection, is part of Liberia’s broader development strategy under the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID). The project aims to improve road safety, reduce travel delays, and enhance economic activity in one of the city’s busiest corridors.
The two-year project, valued at US$36.6 million, is financed through a grant from the People’s Republic of China. It is expected to create between 150 and 300 jobs, offering employment opportunities for both skilled and unskilled Liberians.
Chinese Ambassador Yin Chengwu, who joined the ceremony, described the initiative as a milestone in Liberia’s modernization efforts and a testament to deepening bilateral ties. He noted that the project stems from commitments made during the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), following discussions between President Boakai and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), a globally recognized engineering firm, has been contracted to execute the project. The overpasses will convert existing at-grade junctions into four-lane elevated structures, each supported by prestressed and precast I-beams with a 20cm deck thickness and 1.8-meter clearance height.
According to Liberia’s Minister of Public Works, Roland Layfette Giddings, the initiative builds on traffic studies dating back to the administration of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. He praised China’s financial support and affirmed the ministry’s readiness to collaborate with CRBC to ensure timely delivery.
Construction was initially scheduled to begin in February 2025 but faced delays due to relocation requests from utility providers and affected residents. The government has since paid over US$1 million in compensation to 50 individuals and more than US$5,000 to utility providers like Orange Liberia, LTC, and LWSE (Liberia Electricity Corporation) for compensation and relocation of facilities. Two overpass bridges will be constructed within 24 months. The dedication of the project is expected in 2027.
The project involves converting at-grade junctions into four-lane overhead structures with a 20cm thick deck supported by prestressed and precast I-beams, featuring a 1.8-meter clearance height.
President Boakai made a passionate call for public cooperation during the construction phase, urging residents and businesses to embrace temporary disruptions as necessary sacrifices for long-term progress.
