Monrovia, September 2, 2025 — A new chapter in Liberia’s infrastructure development and China-Liberia cooperation began on Tuesday with the groundbreaking of the China-Aid Two Overpass Bridges Project on Tubman Boulevard, one of Monrovia’s busiest arteries. The event, held in Paynesville, was graced by top Liberian officials, Chinese diplomats, engineers, and local residents eager to witness what is being described as a transformative step for the capital’s transportation system.
Ambassador Yin Chengwu, China’s top envoy to Liberia, delivered remarks at the ceremony, underscoring the importance of the project both as a symbol of bilateral friendship and as a concrete investment in Liberia’s future. He praised the collaboration between the Chinese and Liberian governments, recalling the successful meeting between President Xi Jinping and President Joseph Nyuma Boakai during the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) last year. That meeting, he noted, elevated China-Liberia ties to a strategic partnership and laid the foundation for initiatives such as the two new overpasses.
“China and Liberia are thousands of miles apart, but our hearts are closely linked,” Ambassador Yin said. “This project is not only a milestone in the modernization of Liberia’s road infrastructure, but also a vivid illustration of the continuously deepening strategic partnership between our two countries.”
The overpasses will be built at two critical intersections along Tubman Boulevard — a corridor known for heavy traffic congestion, long commute times, and logistical delays. The Chinese ambassador emphasized that once completed, the flyovers would reduce travel time, improve traffic flow, enhance logistics efficiency, and provide tangible benefits for ordinary Liberians. He further tied the project to President Boakai’s ARREST agenda, which prioritizes road development as a means of stimulating economic growth and improving livelihoods.
For decades, Monrovia’s inadequate road infrastructure has been cited as a major obstacle to Liberia’s social and economic advancement. With growing urbanization and increased vehicle use, traffic congestion has worsened, often straining businesses, government operations, and the daily lives of commuters. By introducing overpasses to ease bottlenecks, the government hopes to not only improve transport efficiency but also unlock new economic opportunities in and around the capital.
Ambassador Yin also highlighted the transparency and competitiveness of the contracting process. The China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), a world-renowned engineering company with a track record in major global infrastructure projects, was awarded the contract after an open and rigorous bidding process in China. “This reflects not only the Chinese government’s emphasis on quality but also our sincerity in providing Liberia with the finest expertise and resources,” he stated.
CRBC, which has constructed highways, ports, bridges, and railways across Asia, Africa, and beyond, is expected to complete the two flyovers within 24 months. Ambassador Yin expressed confidence that the company would adhere strictly to safety protocols, maintain high engineering standards, and deliver the project on schedule. He also urged Liberian government agencies to provide logistical and security support during the construction process to ensure smooth progress.
“This project is more than steel and concrete,” Ambassador Yin declared. “These flyovers will not only serve as bridges for smooth transportation, but also as bridges of friendship and win-win cooperation between our two peoples.”
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Public Works Minister Roland Giddings, senior officials from several government ministries and agencies, representatives of the construction firm, and community leaders. Minister Giddings lauded the initiative as a timely response to Liberia’s infrastructure challenges and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working closely with its Chinese partners.
Residents of Paynesville and surrounding areas also welcomed the project, with many expressing hope that the reduction in congestion would ease their daily commutes and improve business opportunities. “Traffic on Tubman Boulevard has been a nightmare for years,” said a local trader. “If these flyovers can make movement easier, it will help us a lot in getting goods to market on time.”
Beyond immediate improvements in traffic management, the overpasses are expected to spur broader economic and social benefits. Experts predict that smoother mobility will lower fuel consumption, reduce transportation costs, and stimulate productivity in commerce, trade, and services. The project is also anticipated to create temporary employment opportunities for local workers and strengthen skills transfer between Liberian engineers and their Chinese counterparts.
Ambassador Yin concluded his remarks with optimism about the broader trajectory of China-Liberia cooperation, pledging that China would continue to stand by Liberia in its pursuit of peace, stability, and prosperity. “I firmly believe that these two flyovers will inject new momentum into Liberia’s economic and social development,” he said. “They will stand as a testament to our enduring partnership and as a model of the tangible progress that can be achieved when our two nations work together.”
As construction begins, expectations are high that the China-Aid Two Overpass Bridges Project will become a landmark achievement, easing Monrovia’s long-standing traffic woes and serving as a symbol of deepening ties between the people of Liberia and China.
