The proposed overhead bridge for Monrovia’s Tubman Boulevard corridor has sparked considerable debate, particularly regarding its cost-effectiveness and necessity. A licensed professional engineer with over 35 years of experience questions the project’s rationale, asserting that alternative solutions could offer more sustainable and comprehensive solutions to the area’s traffic congestion. The engineer argues that the focus should be on a broader, more integrated approach to infrastructure development rather than a singular, potentially extravagant structure. This analysis delves into the traffic challenges, the proposed overhead bridge, alternative solutions, and the broader implications for Liberian infrastructure development and engineering capacity.
The primary traffic bottleneck on Tubman Boulevard occurs during peak hours, particularly between 4 PM and 8 PM. This congestion stems from the confluence of commuters leaving the Ministerial Complex, shoppers accessing and exiting the Stop & Shop Supermarket parking lot, and residents being dropped off in the area. The absence of signalized traffic control systems at many intersections exacerbates the problem, forcing reliance on often inconsistent police direction. Further complicating matters is the practice of vehicles stopping in traffic lanes for drop-offs due to the lack of adequate shoulders or curbs, as well as the emergence of a dangerous “third lane” during peak congestion. These factors combine to create a chaotic and inefficient traffic flow, highlighting the need for a well-engineered solution.
The proposed overhead bridge, estimated to cost US $30 million, is presented by the government as a solution to these traffic woes. However, the engineer argues that this investment could be better allocated to other, more impactful infrastructure projects. Instead of a single bridge, the engineer proposes a combination of targeted improvements, including spot widening of critical areas along Tubman Boulevard, extending Cheeseman Avenue under James Springs Airfield with an overpass for aircraft, reconstructing Congo Town Old Road, and constructing a crossing over the Montserrado Basin to Somalia Drive. These interconnected improvements, the engineer posits, would create a more efficient traffic network and address the root causes of congestion, rendering the overhead bridge unnecessary.
The suggested alternative solutions offer a multifaceted approach to improving traffic flow and connectivity. Spot widening at key congestion points along Tubman Boulevard would create dedicated lanes for turning traffic, alleviating bottlenecks. The Cheeseman Avenue extension would provide an alternative route, diverting traffic away from Tubman Boulevard and improving access to Old Road and Congo Town. Reconstructing Congo Town Old Road would further enhance connectivity and offer another route for diverting traffic. Finally, the crossing over the Montserrado Basin would provide a much-needed connection to Somalia Drive, easing traffic towards Paynesville. These combined improvements would address the traffic issues more comprehensively than a single overhead bridge.
Beyond the immediate traffic concerns, the engineer raises crucial questions about the project’s financial prudence and the involvement of Liberian engineers. The US $30 million allocated for the overhead bridge, the engineer argues, could be used more effectively on multiple smaller projects that would offer greater overall benefit. Furthermore, the apparent lack of involvement of Liberian engineers in the project’s design and planning raises concerns about capacity building and the development of local expertise. The engineer emphasizes the importance of empowering Liberian engineers, suggesting that their involvement would not only contribute to national development but also foster a sense of ownership and pride in infrastructure projects.
The engineer’s critique extends to a broader commentary on the Liberian government’s approach to infrastructure development. The perceived over-reliance on foreign expertise and the tendency to favor large, showy projects over more practical, locally-driven solutions are seen as detrimental to long-term development. The engineer argues that investing in local talent and prioritizing sustainable, cost-effective projects would better serve the nation’s needs. This approach, emphasizing local capacity building and careful resource allocation, would not only address immediate infrastructure needs but also contribute to long-term economic growth and development.
In conclusion, the proposed overhead bridge for Tubman Boulevard is positioned by the engineer not as a solution but as a symptom of a larger issue: a lack of strategic planning and a failure to prioritize local expertise in infrastructure development. The engineer’s alternative proposals offer a more comprehensive and sustainable approach, addressing the root causes of traffic congestion while simultaneously empowering Liberian engineers and fostering long-term development. The debate surrounding the overhead bridge serves as a microcosm of a larger conversation about the best path forward for Liberia’s infrastructure and the crucial role of local expertise in building a more sustainable and prosperous future.
