CONGO TOWN, Monrovia – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai officially inaugurated the start of a major infrastructure project on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, marking the beginning of construction for two overpass bridges along Tubman Boulevard in Congo Town. This landmark development aims to alleviate Monrovia’s persistent traffic congestion.
By Christopher Bestman, contributing writer
Valued at US$36.6 million and fully funded by the Government of the People’s Republic of China, the project is scheduled for completion within 24 months.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex and was attended by senior government officials, international partners, civil society leaders, and diplomatic representatives.
The Minister of Public Works, Roland Layfette Giddings hailed the project as a “historic milestone” in Liberia infrastructure journey. He emphasized that, beyond easing traffic, the construction will generate between 300 to 400 jobs for Liberians, including both skilled and unskilled labor.
“China has been a steadfast partner in Liberia’s development,” Giddings remarked, referencing previous Chinese supported projects like the University of Liberia Fendall Campus, the Ministerial Complex, and the Ministry of Health headquarters.
The Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, H.E Yin Chengwu highlighted that the project exemplifies the deepening partnership between the two nations. He linked it to commitments made during the China-Africa Summit, where Presidents Boakai and Xi Jinping discussed strengthening cooperation.
“This project is about more than infrastructure, it’s about fostering enduring ties between Liberia and China,” the Ambassador stated.
President Boakai expressed that the two overpass bridges located near the Ministerial Complex and further east at SKD Boulevard are practical solutions designed to reduce congestion, enhance road safety, and mitigate economic losses caused by traffic delays. These delays hinder the timely delivery of goods, services, and emergency response vehicles such as ambulances and fire trucks.
“This is the power of road infrastructure: it shortens distances, reduces costs, and drives economic growth. Once completed, these bridges will stand as a testament to our government’s commitment to improving our road network’s efficiency,” the President said.
Technical details reveal that the project will be executed by a consortium led by China Railway Eryuan Engineering Group Co. Ltd (CREEC), under the supervision of China Agency for International Economic Cooperation (MOFCOM).
The overpasses will be constructed at intersections of Tubman Boulevard and Old Congo Town Road, spanning a total of 2.107 kilometers, divided into the East and West Interchanges.
Upon completion, the project promises numerous benefits: reduced conflict points between vehicles and pedestrians, leading to fewer accidents, improved logistics for traders, schools, clinics, and small businesses along the corridor, lowering transportation costs, shorter travel times during peak hours, and enhanced traffic management and support for public transportation efficiency.
This project marks a significant step forward in Liberia’s infrastructural development, promising safer, faster, and more reliable transportation for all.
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