President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has officially launched the construction of two China-Aid overpass bridges along Tubman Boulevard, describing the project as a transformative step toward easing congestion, enhancing safety, and boosting economic activity in the capital.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, President Boakai emphasized that the initiative represents more than just infrastructure, but also a foundation for long-term national growth.
“We will not only construct but we will maintain,” the Liberian leader declared, stressing his government’s commitment to preserving public assets as part of its ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID).
The two overpasses located near the Ministerial Complex and at the SKD Boulevard intersection are expected to significantly reduce travel delays, improve logistics for businesses, and enhance the efficiency of emergency services.
President Boakai hailed the project as a symbol of progress and bilateral cooperation. He thanked the People’s Republic of China for its continuous support of Liberia’s development efforts, particularly in infrastructure.
“This cooperation and partnership between our two countries is at its best, with a significant focus on implementing tangible projects that align with our national development agenda,” he noted.
The project is also expected to generate between 150 and 300 jobs, offering opportunities for both skilled and unskilled Liberians.
Chinese Ambassador Yin Chengwu, attending the ceremony, described the overpasses as a milestone in Liberia’s modernization drive and a reflection of the deepening strategic partnership between China and Liberia.
He noted that the initiative stems from commitments made during last year’s Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), following discussions between President Boakai and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The ambassador reaffirmed China’s support, saying, “Despite geographical distance, China and Liberia are closely linked. This project demonstrates our traditional friendship and shared commitment to development.”
The China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), a globally renowned engineering firm, has been contracted to execute the two-year project. CRBC is expected to meet international standards in quality, safety, and efficiency.
Public Works Minister Roland Layfette Giddings highlighted the historical context of the initiative, recalling early traffic congestion studies conducted during the leadership of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
According to him, the project is valued at US$36.6 millions.
He praised China for financing the project through a grant and assured the public of the ministry’s readiness to collaborate with CRBC to ensure timely delivery.
“This groundbreaking ceremony is not just an engineering milestone but also a diplomatic operation,” Minister Giddings said. “It reflects what is possible when two nations stand together in pursuit of economic development.”
President Boakai urged residents and businesses along the corridor to exercise patience during the construction phase, noting that diversions and temporary delays are necessary sacrifices for long-term progress.
He concluded with a call for shared responsibility “Fellow Liberians, as these development projects take place, let our appreciation for transformation grow. Respect new developments, keep our environment clean, and together, we will build the Liberia we promised a safer, faster, and more prosperous Liberia.”
Once completed, the bridges are projected to decrease accidents by reducing conflict points between vehicles and pedestrians, improve efficiency for traders, schools, health facilities, and small businesses, reduce travel time during peak hours, and support better traffic management and public transportation.
The West Main corridor reconstruction of 1,140m; New auxiliary road: 1,460m: Overpass length: 303m; Duration: 24months, while the East Overpass Main corridor reconstruction: 967m; New auxiliary road: 1,134m; Overpass length: 183m; Duration: 24months.
An implementation agreement was initially signed two years ago between the Ministry of Public Works and the Agency for International Economic Cooperation of China. In September 2024, a supplementary agreement was signed by the Minister of Public Works,
The commencement of the construction was originally anticipated to start in February 2025. The project’s commencement was delayed due to several appeals from utility providers (specifically fiber optics and LEC poles) and project-affected individuals along the corridors. Time was given for relocation and removal of utilities.
The government paid over a million US dollars to 50 affected individuals and more than 5,000 US dollars 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 by this time 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.
