Gbarnga–Ganta Road
Engineering Design & Construction Supervision — Gbarnga–Ganta Road Rehabilitation
Ministry of Public Works — Liberia
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Year
2022
Client
Ministry of Public Works, Liberia
Funding
African Development Bank
Length
~90 km
Year
2015
Objectives & Context
The Gbarnga–Ganta road is one of Liberia's highest-priority transport corridors, linking the country's second largest city to its principal commercial border crossing with Guinea at Ganta, through Nimba County — home to significant iron ore mining activity. Heavy freight from the Yekepa iron ore mines and cross-border trade with Guinea generated axle loads that had accelerated pavement failure beyond what routine maintenance could address. A full pavement reconstruction programme was required, combined with bridge rehabilitation at seven major crossings, while keeping the route open to traffic throughout works.
Our Approach & Solution
TSC Global provided integrated engineering design and construction supervision for the 90 km corridor. Pavement design addressed the high axle load environment through reinforced pavement structures with improved subbase layers and bituminous surfacing using high-modulus asphalt mixes. Bridge rehabilitation design included structural capacity assessment, reinforcement of substandard structures, and replacement of the two most critically deficient crossings. Traffic management during construction was coordinated with mining company logistics teams to minimise impacts on ore haulage operations.
Results & Impact
The rehabilitated Gbarnga–Ganta corridor significantly reduced vehicle operating costs for freight and passenger transport, with transport cost reductions estimated at 45% for the dominant mining truck traffic type. Journey time between Gbarnga and Ganta fell from over 4 hours in deteriorated conditions to approximately 90 minutes on the rehabilitated road. The project was completed within the approved budget and received a satisfactory rating from AfDB completion review.
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