Published: September 3, 2025
MONROVIA — Liberia and China have broken ground on two overpass bridges along Tubman Boulevard, a project hailed as a landmark in bilateral relations and a long-awaited step toward easing Monrovia’s traffic congestion.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held Tuesday, brought together President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Chinese Ambassador Yin Chengwu, senior Liberian officials, members of the Chinese Embassy and international partners. The bridges—one near the Ministerial Complex and another at SKD Boulevard—are expected to transform Monrovia’s traffic system and ease one of the city’s most pressing infrastructure challenges.
Symbol of Partnership
Speaking on behalf of Beijing, Ambassador Chengwu described the initiative as “win-win cooperation” and a reflection of commitments made between Presidents Xi Jinping and Joseph Boakai during last year’s Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing.
“The successful launch of this project signifies the implementation of another key cooperation initiative of the Beijing Summit,” Chengwu said. “It reflects not only the traditional friendship between China and Liberia but also serves as a vivid illustration of the continuously deepening strategic partnership between the two countries.”
He said the flyovers will reduce travel times, enhance logistics, boost commerce and improve citizens’ quality of life. “These two flyovers will not only serve as bridges for smooth transportation but also as bridges of friendship and win-win cooperation,” he added.
Execution and Oversight
The project will be carried out by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), a firm Chengwu said was selected through “an open, transparent and rigorous bidding process.” He pledged that CRBC would deliver the project within 24 months while adhering to international safety and quality standards.
The ambassador urged Liberia to provide the necessary support and assurances to contractors during implementation.
Boakai on Infrastructure
President Boakai, who officially launched the project, tied the initiative to his administration’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
“This is the power of road infrastructure—it shortens distances, lowers costs and enhances economic growth,” Boakai said. “Once these bridges are completed, there will be a visible sign of our government keeping its promises to improve the efficiency of our road network.”
He emphasized that road connectivity is central to ending rural neglect and unlocking Liberia’s economic potential. The overpasses, he said, will reduce pedestrian-vehicle conflicts, smooth logistics for traders and schools, and cut travel times during peak hours.
Acknowledging likely traffic disruptions during construction, Boakai appealed for patience. “These short-term inconveniences are the cost of long-term investment and progress. The result will definitely be worth it,” he said.
He called on CRBC and supervisory teams to ensure transparency, adherence to standards and timely delivery, while urging the media to provide balanced coverage of the project.
Strategic Partnership
Boakai also framed the bridges as part of a broader effort to align infrastructure, energy and water projects with Liberia’s national development goals. He thanked China for its support and stressed that Liberia would prioritize both building and maintaining new infrastructure.
“These overpasses will be part of a corridor managed with discipline, involving enforcement of road safety and maintenance rules,” Boakai said. “Infrastructure is only adequate when we take care of it.”
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