The government of the Republic of Guinea has signed a US$17.6 million grant agreement with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the reconstruction of the Faranah bridge on the country’s National Route 2 (RN 2).

The current bridge is in danger of collapsing due to its age, with its single-lane design also causing congestion and logistical bottlenecks.

The JICA grant will enable the reconstruction of the bridge as a two-lane structure that can withstand heavy vehicles. The project involves constructing a 70-metre-long, 17-metre-wide bridge with two lanes, including a motorcycle lane and pavements on both sides. An access road of about 503 metres will also be built connecting to both ends of the bridge.

The grant will also sponsor consulting services for the scheme, including detailed design work, bidding assistance and construction supervision.

The implementation period for the project is 40 months, including the design and procurement. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Works is the executing agency.

The reconstruction of the Faranah bridge will facilitate movement between Guinea and neighbouring countries since the RN 2 is an international trade corridor. The bridge is also a major link between the capital Conakry and the Forested Guinea region.