MONROVIA — The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Public Works, has provided a detailed progress update on the ongoing construction of two major overpass bridges along Tubman Boulevard, assuring the public that the project remains on schedule despite mounting concerns over traffic congestion and implementation delays.
Speaking at a press conference, Deputy Minister for Technical Services Prince D. Tambah, Sr., who is also serving as Acting Minister, said the project has reached 22 percent completion just six months after groundbreaking in September 2025, with authorities targeting full completion by September 2027.
“This project is a strategic intervention aimed at reducing traffic congestion, improving travel time, and enhancing road safety in one of Monrovia’s busiest corridors,” Tambah stated.
The overpasses—being constructed at the 72nd Junction (East) and the EJS Ministerial Complex (West)—are funded through a US$38 million grant from the Government of China, with no loan component attached.
Officials disclosed that significant milestones have already been achieved, including 100 percent site clearing, over 60 percent completion of pile foundations, and ongoing work on retaining walls, sub-base layers, and auxiliary roads.
Tambah acknowledged that while the project is slightly behind its ideal benchmark of 25 percent completion, largely due to utility relocation challenges, it remains firmly on track.
“Construction follows an S-curve pattern. Early stages may appear slow, but progress accelerates significantly as foundational works are completed,” he explained.
The Ministry also addressed widespread public frustration over traffic disruptions along the Boulevard, emphasizing that multiple alternative routes have been opened, including access through Allison Street, Peace Island routes, and other connector roads to ease congestion.
Authorities revealed that more than 265 Liberians are currently employed on the project, though officials acknowledged a gender imbalance and called for increased female participation.
The project, implemented by the China Road and Bridge Corporation, is part of broader bilateral cooperation between Liberia and China under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
In response to concerns about durability, especially during the rainy season, officials confirmed that construction standards meet international engineering benchmarks, with a mix of locally sourced materials and imported components.
“We are building to last. The materials and standards applied here are internationally verified,” Tambah assured.
The Ministry also outlined the long-term impact of the project, noting that traffic modeling indicates the overpasses could reduce congestion by up to 60 percent at key intersections, significantly improving mobility in the capital.
Despite ongoing challenges, including the relocation of a critical water pipeline supplying Monrovia, officials say engineering solutions are being developed to prevent delays.
Meanwhile, the Ministry used the occasion to announce a major upcoming infrastructure milestone—the April 18 groundbreaking of a 255-kilometer road corridor project from Monrovia to Bo Waterside, further signaling the government’s aggressive push to modernize Liberia’s road network.
“We understand the inconvenience this project is causing,” Tambah said. “But we ask the public for patience. The long-term benefits will transform how we move, work, and live in this city.”
As construction intensifies, the government has pledged continued public engagement and transparency, including releasing visual guides and updates to help citizens better understand and navigate the evolving infrastructure.
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