ITI Town, Rivercess County — The newly reconstructed ITI Bridge was officially dedicated today by Liberia’s Minister of Public Works, Roland Layfette Giddings, during a site visit that drew a large crowd of jubilant residents, traditional leaders, and security officials. The bridge had collapsed in December 2024 after a lowbed truck carrying an excavator far exceeding the 25-ton weight limit—attempted to cross, severely damaging the structure.
Speaking at the dedication ceremony, Minister Giddings reaffirmed the government’s commitment to rebuilding critical infrastructure and ensuring the safety of all road users. He praised the technical team from the Ministry’s Bridge Unit for completing the reconstruction efficiently.
“We are proud to return this vital bridge to the people of Rivercess County; but this must come with a renewed commitment from all of us, especially the security sector, to ensure that the mistakes of the past are not repeated,” Minister Giddings said.
The Minister re-emphasized that the bridge was designed to carry a maximum load of 25 tons and warned that any vehicle found violating this limit would be dealt with according to the law. He called on the Liberia National Police and the Joint Security Task Force to be vigilant in monitoring vehicular traffic and enforcing load restrictions without compromise.
Community members welcomed the renovated bridge with great enthusiasm. Cheers and applause broke out amongst inhabitants, as they recounted difficulties they had to endure for months before the renovation. Elders, women leaders, youth representatives, and local officials expressed gratitude to the Ministry and pledged their support to ensure compliance with the load restrictions.
During his remarks, Minister Giddings also revealed that aside from ongoing road maintenance in the region, the government is finalizing plans to commence pavement of the Coastal Highway within a year. This, he said, will significantly boost trade and connectivity along the southeastern corridor.
As the ceremony concluded local leaders, police officials, and community groups thanked the Ministry and pledged to uphold the bridge’s weight regulations and protect national infrastructure from misuse and neglect.
The Minister’s tour terminated at the Grand Bassa University Bridge, where he had gone to get status update on the progress made on the both abutments of the bridge. During such visit, the Minister met shortly with the University President and assured him of the Government’s intention to work at an appreciable speed to get the bridge completed.
Minister Giddings furthered that the manufacturer has assured the Ministry that the bridge will be completed and delivered no later than August of this year, and that the installation will immediately follow upon delivery.
