By Amos Harris
MONROVIA — The Ministry of Public Works has announced a temporary moratorium prohibiting the movement of heavy-duty cargo vehicles weighing 25 metric tons and above on several major unpaved road corridors across Liberia during the 2026 rainy season. According to the Ministry, the measure is intended to protect critical national infrastructure, improve road safety, and prevent the rapid deterioration of roads caused by overloaded vehicles during the peak rainy months.
The moratorium was issued under the Ministry’s statutory mandate to safeguard public infrastructure and ensure the continued accessibility of major transportation routes throughout the country. Authorities confirmed that the restriction will take effect on July 31, 2026, and remain in force until October 15, 2026, covering a period of 75 days.
Under the directive, all heavy goods vehicles whose combined cargo and vehicle weight exceed 25 metric tons will be prohibited from using designated road corridors identified as highly vulnerable during the rainy season. Among the affected routes is the 115-kilometer Tappita-to-Zwedru corridor, which traverses Nimba and Grand Gedeh Counties and serves as a vital transportation link for communities and businesses in the region.
The moratorium will also apply to the 111-kilometer Zwedru-to-Kanweaken road connecting Grand Gedeh and River Gee Counties, a route that routinely experiences significant deterioration during periods of heavy rainfall. Additionally, the Ministry has included the Buchanan-to-Greenville corridor in the restriction. This 205-kilometer stretch passes through Grand Bassa, Rivercess, and Sinoe Counties and is considered one of the country’s most important economic and transportation corridors.
Further south, the Pleebo-to-Barclayville road, which extends approximately 75 kilometers through Maryland and Grand Kru Counties, has been placed under the temporary restriction. In Lofa County, the Ministry has suspended the movement of heavy-duty vehicles on the 194-kilometer Salayea-to-Mendikorma corridor, citing concerns over road stability during the rainy season. The Brewerville-to-Bopolu road, stretching approximately 90 kilometers across Montserrado, Bomi, and Gbarpolu Counties, is likewise included in the list of restricted corridors.
Public Works officials emphasized that the decision followed comprehensive technical assessments indicating that excessive axle loads significantly accelerate road damage, especially when road surfaces become saturated by heavy rainfall. The Ministry noted that preserving these corridors is essential to maintaining connectivity for local communities, commercial activities, and emergency services throughout the rainy season.
Authorities further stated that restricting heavy-duty traffic during this period will reduce emergency maintenance costs and help extend the lifespan of road infrastructure funded by the government and international development partners. The Ministry is calling on transport operators, concessionaires, logistics companies, and other stakeholders to fully comply with the directive throughout the duration of the moratorium. Officials warned that violations of the order could result in punitive measures against individuals or entities found operating restricted vehicles on the affected corridors.
The Ministry disclosed that consultations were held with key stakeholders prior to the issuance of the directive, receiving broad support for the temporary restrictions. Several national institutions have been notified and mandated to assist with active enforcement efforts across the country. These institutions include the Liberia National Police, the Liberia Immigration Service, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of National Defense through the Armed Forces of Liberia, and the National Transport Union.
The Ministry of Public Works expressed appreciation to all stakeholders and members of the public for their anticipated cooperation, stressing that the temporary measure is necessary to safeguard Liberia’s road infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted connectivity during the 2026 rainy season.