The Japan Freeway Expansion Project Receives a Major Boost; As MPW Makes Additional Case for the Construction of a Parallel Bridge to the Gabriel Tucker Bridge

The Deputy Minister for Technical Services at the Ministry of Public Works, Prince Tambah, is currently in Tokyo, Japan, representing the Government of Liberia in the bid opening process and contract negotiations for the extension of the Japan Freeway Project.

 

It may be recalled that the Government of Liberia formally requested the Government of Japan to extend the Japan Freeway Project to cover the Freeport–Gabriel Tucker Bridge corridor (1.9 km). This grant financing from the Government of Japan is expected to rehabilitate and modernize the critical road segment from Freeport to the Gabriel Tucker Bridge. The scope of works includes full alignment reconfiguration, elevation of the roadway, and the installation of proper drainage and storm water management systems to permanently address the persistent flooding challenges affecting that corridor.

 

While in Japan, Deputy Minister Tambah will also follow up with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) regarding the Government’s request submitted during the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD-9), held in Yokohama from August 20–22, 2025—for support toward the construction of a new parallel bridge alongside the existing Gabriel Tucker Bridge.

 

It is also worth noting that the 2009 JICA Master Plan identified the urgent need to strengthen urban infrastructure in Monrovia through the rehabilitation of deteriorated road networks, construction of missing-link bridges, and improvements to urban sanitation facilities. The current initiative aligns directly with those strategic recommendations.

 

The broader objective of the project is to enhance national resilience and urban economic productivity by strengthening Monrovia’s core transport infrastructure. This includes the construction of a modern 450-foot parallel bridge to the existing Gabriel Tucker Bridge, elevation of the existing bridge to improve navigation clearance, and the development of a grade-separated overpass linking the Johnson/Broad Street intersection directly to the bridge. Collectively, these interventions will significantly improve urban mobility, reduce intersection congestion, enhance road safety, and eliminate a high-risk single-point failure within the national road network.

 

Deputy Minister Tambah indicated that the total estimated cost of the comprehensive infrastructure package—including the new parallel bridge, elevation works, and the Johnson/Broad Street overpass—is approximately US$35.5 million.

 

This engagement underscores the Government of Liberia’s continued commitment to modernizing critical infrastructure and strengthening strategic international partnerships to advance sustainable urban development.