-As Deputy Public Works Minister Engages Japanese Partners
MONROVIA, Liberia — Liberia’s effort to upgrade critical urban infrastructure has received renewed momentum as Deputy Minister for Technical Services at the Ministry of Public Works, Prince Tambah, travels to Tokyo, Japan, to represent the Government of Liberia in key negotiations surrounding the expansion of the Japan Freeway Project.
Deputy Minister Tambah is participating in the bid opening process and contract discussions for the proposed extension of the project, which aims to rehabilitate and modernize the Freeport–Gabriel Tucker Bridge corridor, a vital 1.9-kilometer stretch of roadway that serves as a major gateway to central Monrovia.
The Government of Liberia has formally requested grant financing from the Government of Japan to support the project’s expansion. If approved, the funding will allow for significant improvements to the corridor, including complete realignment of the roadway, elevation of the road surface, and installation of modern drainage and storm-water management systems to permanently address the chronic flooding that frequently disrupts traffic and economic activity in the area.
Officials say the project represents a critical step toward strengthening Monrovia’s transport infrastructure and improving mobility within the capital.
Push for Parallel Bridge
While in Japan, Deputy Minister Tambah is also expected to engage officials of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to advance Liberia’s request for support toward the construction of a new parallel bridge alongside the Gabriel Tucker Bridge.
The proposal was first formally presented during the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD-9) held in Yokohama, Japan, from August 20–22, 2025.
The planned infrastructure package includes the construction of a modern 450-foot bridge parallel to the existing Gabriel Tucker Bridge, the elevation of the current structure to improve navigation clearance for maritime activities, and the development of a grade-separated overpass linking the Johnson Street and Broad Street intersection directly to the bridge.
According to the Ministry of Public Works, these improvements are designed to significantly reduce traffic congestion in central Monrovia while also enhancing road safety and strengthening the reliability of one of the capital’s most critical transport links.
The current Gabriel Tucker Bridge remains a strategic component of the national road network, connecting the commercial district of Monrovia with the Freeport of Monrovia and other key economic zones.
Addressing a Critical Infrastructure Gap
Authorities note that the proposed project aligns with recommendations outlined in the 2009 JICA Master Plan, which highlighted the need for urgent investment in Monrovia’s urban infrastructure, including road rehabilitation, construction of missing-link bridges, and improvements to sanitation and drainage systems.
Officials say the construction of a parallel bridge would help eliminate what experts describe as a high-risk single-point failure within the capital’s road network, where disruption at the Gabriel Tucker Bridge could severely affect traffic flow, trade, and emergency response operations.
Deputy Minister Tambah disclosed that the estimated cost of the comprehensive infrastructure package—including the new bridge, elevation works, and the Johnson/Broad Street overpass—is approximately US$35.5 million.
Strengthening International Partnerships
The current engagement in Tokyo underscores Liberia’s continued collaboration with Japan, which has long been a key partner in the country’s infrastructure development.
Government officials say the expansion of the Japan Freeway Project represents part of a broader strategy to modernize Liberia’s transport systems, improve urban resilience, and enhance economic productivity.
Tambah’s mission to Japan also comes as the government intensifies efforts to accelerate infrastructure development across the country. Earlier in 2025, the Deputy Minister was part of the Liberian delegation that traveled to China to inspect the fleet of heavy equipment—popularly known as the “yellow machines”—before they were shipped to Liberia to support nationwide road construction and maintenance.
Officials say these initiatives collectively reflect the government’s commitment to rebuilding Liberia’s infrastructure while leveraging international partnerships to drive sustainable urban development.
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