Africa-Press – Liberia. ArcelorMittal Liberia has completed the rehabilitation of the St. John Access Road Bridge, bringing renewed safety and connectivity to Grand Bassa, Bong and Nimba Counties after nearly thirty years of deterioration that made the crossing a source of fear and hardship for thousands of residents.
For decades, the bridge over the St. John River was a daily obstacle for motorcyclists, traders, farmers, students and elderly citizens who relied on it to travel between Liberia’s interior and the coastal port city of Buchanan. As the structure weakened over time, many residents chose to avoid it altogether, while others were forced to take the risk in order to earn a living, attend school or access basic services.
Motorbike riders and traders from surrounding communities recalled that elderly people often refused to cross the bridge because of its fragile condition, leaving younger riders to shoulder the danger. Residents from Bong, Nimba and Grand Bassa Counties said it was common to spend hours at the crossing point, moving goods slowly and cautiously across the damaged structure, a situation that disrupted trade, delayed travel and exposed people to constant risk.
Those long years of difficulty have now come to an end following the completion of full rehabilitation works by ArcelorMittal Liberia. The bridge has been repainted in yellow and black and fitted with reinforced rail infrastructure, stronger steel support systems, modern safety guards and a dedicated pedestrian walkway that allows people to cross securely alongside vehicles and motorcycles.
The structure has also been strengthened to safely accommodate ArcelorMittal train wagons passing overhead, reflecting improved engineering standards and restored functionality.
The rehabilitated bridge was officially dedicated on Friday, December 10, 2025, at Fendell Diggs Town along Kilometer 94. The ceremony brought together county officials, lawmakers, traditional leaders, community representatives and senior officials of ArcelorMittal Liberia to mark the return of a vital public asset that links agricultural communities and mining corridors to the Port of Buchanan.
The St. John Bridge was originally constructed in 1960 by the Liberian American Mining Company to connect Bong County to Grand Bassa County and facilitate the movement of agricultural products, minerals and people across the region. Over the years, neglect and the effects of Liberia’s civil conflict left the bridge structurally compromised, resulting in frequent reports of near collapses, accidents and damage to property.
Recognizing the bridge’s importance to public safety and regional development, ArcelorMittal Liberia undertook the rehabilitation voluntarily and outside the requirements of its Mineral Development Agreement. The company said the project reflects its broader commitment to responsible corporate citizenship and to improving the lives of communities within and around its operational areas.
Speaking during the dedication ceremony, Julius Saywala, Superintendent of Sub Structure Maintenance at ArcelorMittal Liberia, said the completion of the bridge demonstrates the company’s dedication to undertaking projects that directly benefit local communities. He explained that rehabilitation work began on July 1, 2025, and involved 50 community members and 20 technical specialists, supported by eight ArcelorMittal Liberia engineers who worked through challenging rainy season conditions.
Saywala said the team deployed high quality safety materials and engineering solutions to manage the hazards of working at height, over water and in adverse weather. He explained that the scope of work included the replacement of 800 bridge sleepers, the installation and welding of high strength steel beams, the laying of timber running boards, structural reinforcement to improve rigidity, the construction of road guards and pedestrian walkways and the placement of reinforced concrete pavement at both ends of the bridge.
Local leaders from Grand Bassa and Bong Counties praised ArcelorMittal Liberia for completing the project efficiently and professionally. Grand Bassa County Superintendent Hawa Norris and Representatives Alfred Quennah and Alfred Flomo commended the company’s engineering team and expressed appreciation for restoring a critical link that supports commerce, education and social interaction across county boundaries.
Speaking on behalf of ArcelorMittal Liberia Chief Executive Officer, Community Relations Manager Vaani Kiazolu said the success of the project was made possible through strong cooperation between the company and surrounding communities. He said ArcelorMittal Liberia values partnership with local residents and traditional leaders and acknowledged President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for creating an environment that allows private sector partners to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Kiazolu also urged residents to take collective responsibility for protecting and maintaining the bridge, emphasizing that it belongs to the communities it serves. He stressed that the rehabilitation was not an obligation under the Mineral Development Agreement and called on users to safeguard the structure to ensure its long term use.
For the people of Grand Bassa, Bong and Nimba Counties, the bridge represents renewed access, dignity and hope, while for ArcelorMittal Liberia it stands as a symbol of partnership, responsible investment and shared progress.
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