Buchanan, Grand Bassa County – ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) has officially dedicated a fully rehabilitated overhead bridge valued at $700,000, reestablishing a vital transport and economic lifeline between its Buchanan Port concession and surrounding communities in Grand Bassa County.
Located just 2.5 kilometers from the Buchanan Port, the restored structure links AML’s operational base to key residential areas including Koruah, District Hole, More Town, Baconie, and Sunset Beach. Though technically a public asset, the bridge plays an essential role in supporting both local commuter traffic and AML’s iron ore railway system running from Mount Tokadeh to Buchanan.
The bridge’s decline was first flagged in 2018, when AML engineers identified concerning cracks on its piers. A joint assessment conducted by AML and the Ministry of Public Works confirmed that the structure was dangerously unstable and close to collapse, threatening public safety and critical mining logistics. However, the government at the time cited funding constraints, leaving the bridge in jeopardy.
In 2019, AML commissioned an independent consultant to further evaluate the situation. The findings were alarming: the bridge posed a significant and imminent risk to pedestrians, motorists, and operational continuity. Taking initiative, AML launched an emergency response, bearing full responsibility for the rehabilitation.
Following strategic consultations with national stakeholders, AML designed and implemented a three-phase intervention: rerouting traffic, initiating public safety campaigns, and executing a comprehensive redesign of the bridge.
In 2023, AML subcontracted AFCONS, a renowned global engineering firm, to carry out the reconstruction. By February 2024, the project was completed, and the bridge was formally reintegrated into AML’s operational network, while remaining accessible to the broader public.
At the handover ceremony on Thursday, AML’s Head of Sustainability and External Relations, Marcus Wleh, highlighted the company’s dedication to infrastructure and community safety.
“Today, we dedicate not just a bridge, but a path to progress. This is one of many ways ArcelorMittal continues to invest in Liberia’s future,” Wleh said.
Grand Bassa County Development Officer Moses Henry, representing Superintendent Karyou Johnson, expressed community gratitude:
“This is good for now. We look forward to seeing ‘very good’ and eventually ‘excellent,’ as we continue to build strong partnerships.”
Mayor of Buchanan, George Gaybueh, also praised the initiative:
“Though this road was closed for some time, we never lost hope. We thank AML for this significant achievement and anticipate more collaboration with the City Corporation.”
While originally intended to facilitate AML’s mining operations, the bridge now benefits a wider range of users—local commuters, transport operators, logging companies, and residents alike. Its reopening eases traffic congestion, enhances public safety, and stimulates commercial activity across Buchanan and beyond.
ArcelorMittal Liberia’s investment in this critical infrastructure demonstrates how corporate responsibility can close public service gaps, drive local development, and strengthen national resilience, even beyond the boundaries of a concession agreement.
