Ministry of Public Works Imposes 75-Day Ban on Heavy-Duty Trucks Over 25 Tons During Rainy Season

Published: June 10, 2026

MONROVIA – The Ministry of Public Works has announced a temporary ban on the movement of heavy-duty cargo vehicles weighing more than 25 metric tons on several major unpaved road corridors across Liberia during the 2026 rainy season, citing the need to protect critical road infrastructure and improve road safety.

In a statement issued on June 8, the moratorium will take effect from July 31 to October 15, 2026, covering a period of 75 days. The Ministry said the measure falls within its statutory responsibility to safeguard national infrastructure and is aimed at preventing severe road damage often caused by overloaded trucks during the peak rainy season when road conditions become particularly vulnerable.

The Ministry noted that heavy cargo vehicles frequently contribute to the rapid deterioration of unpaved roads, making transportation difficult for ordinary citizens and increasing maintenance costs for government.

“This measure is intended to preserve critical road networks, enhance safety, and reduce rapid deterioration caused by overloaded vehicles during this vulnerable period,” the Ministry stated.

The restriction applies to cargo vehicles whose combined vehicle and cargo weight exceeds 25 metric tons and covers six major road corridors across several counties.

The affected routes include the 115-kilometer Tapita–Zwedru corridor linking Nimba and Grand Gedeh Counties; the 111-kilometer Zwedru–Kanweaken road connecting Grand Gedeh and River Gee Counties; the 205-kilometer Buchanan–Greenville highway crossing Grand Bassa, Rivercess, and Sinoe Counties; the 75-kilometer Pleebo–Barclayville corridor in Maryland and Grand Kru Counties; the 194-kilometer Salayea–Mendikorma road in Lofa County; and the 90-kilometer Brewerville–Bopolu corridor connecting Montserrado, Bomi, and Gbarpolu Counties.

The Ministry called on transport operators, concession companies, commercial trucking firms, and logistics providers to fully comply with the directive throughout the enforcement period.

Authorities warned that any violation of the moratorium could result in penalties and other enforcement actions under applicable laws and regulations.

The Ministry disclosed that consultations were held with key stakeholders prior to the issuance of the directive to ensure a coordinated approach to implementation and enforcement.

To support compliance, several government institutions have been formally notified and are expected to assist with enforcement efforts. These include the Liberia National Police, the Liberia Immigration Service, the Ministry of Transport, the Armed Forces of Liberia through the Ministry of National Defense, and the National Transport Union.

The Ministry expressed confidence that the temporary restriction will help preserve key transportation corridors that serve as economic lifelines for rural communities, businesses, and travelers, especially during the rainy season when road conditions often deteriorate rapidly.

The Ministry emphasized that maintaining the integrity of these roads is essential to ensuring continued movement of people, goods, and services across the country.

The Ministry further appealed for public understanding and cooperation, stressing that the short-term inconvenience created by the restriction is necessary to prevent long-term damage to national infrastructure.

“We appreciate the cooperation of all stakeholders in safeguarding Liberia’s infrastructure and ensuring uninterrupted connectivity,” the Ministry said.

The rainy season moratorium comes as the government continues efforts to improve and maintain Liberia’s road network, which remains one of the country’s most critical development priorities.