Pres. Boakai Breaks Ground for US$16 Million Japan Freeway Extension Project
MONROVIA, Liberia – July 3, 2026 – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has officially broken ground for the extension of the Japan Freeway, describing the project as a major investment in Liberia’s infrastructure that will boost economic growth, improve transportation, and strengthen the country’s partnership with Japan.
Speaking Friday at the groundbreaking ceremony held at the Freeport of Monrovia, President Boakai said the 1.9-kilometer road project, which stretches from the Freeport of Monrovia to the Gabriel Tucker Bridge, is one of the country’s most strategic transport corridors despite its relatively short distance.
The project, valued at approximately 2.7 billion Japanese Yen (about US$16 million), is being fully financed through a grant from the Government of Japan.
According to President Boakai, the road serves as the lifeline of Liberia’s economy by connecting the nation’s principal seaport to the capital city while facilitating the movement of people, goods, and regional trade.
“When completed, the project will strengthen economic activity, improve mobility, reduce travel time, and enhance the daily lives of thousands of Liberians who depend on this corridor,” the President said.
He noted that the upgraded roadway will feature climate-resilient infrastructure designed to address the chronic flooding that has affected the area for years. Planned improvements include enhanced drainage systems, durable pavement, improved street lighting, safer pedestrian walkways, and better traffic management.
The President said the groundbreaking marks another milestone in his administration’s ambitious infrastructure agenda, coming just months after the launch of two major road corridor projects covering 255 kilometers in western Liberia and the Mendikorma-Voinjama Highway in the country’s northwestern region.
President Boakai emphasized that expanding Liberia’s road network remains central to his Administration’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, which identifies modern infrastructure as a catalyst for economic transformation, private sector growth, job creation, and improved public service delivery.
He also highlighted the project’s employment benefits, revealing that construction is expected to create approximately 175 jobs for Liberians while generating additional business opportunities for local suppliers, transport operators, service providers, and nearby communities.
Expressing appreciation to the Government and people of Japan, President Boakai described Japan as one of Liberia’s most dependable development partners, citing decades of support through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in sectors including roads, bridges, ports, healthcare, education, agriculture, food security, and human capacity development.
He recalled that the road, formerly known as Somalia Drive, was reconstructed with Japanese assistance before being renamed the Japan Freeway in recognition of the longstanding friendship between the two countries.
“This ceremony is a celebration of an enduring friendship between two nations and a demonstration of what genuine international partnership can achieve,” President Boakai said.
The Liberian leader also commended the Ministry of Public Works for its role in advancing the project from planning to implementation and encouraged JICA, Dai Nippon Construction Co., Ltd., and Eight-Japan Engineering Consultants Inc. to maintain their strong collaboration throughout construction.
He appealed to residents, businesses, and motorists along the corridor to remain patient and cooperative during the construction period.
Concluding his remarks, President Boakai reaffirmed Liberia’s gratitude to Japan before officially declaring the Extension of the Japan Freeway Project launched and proceeding with the groundbreaking ceremony.
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