Road Infrastructure: Technical Features of the Akwaba Interchange Revealed

The Akwaba Interchange project, located in Port-Bouët, has reached completion with an investment of 31.2 billion FCFA. The work included the construction of two engineering structures, the development of approximately 5 km of roadways, and the reconstruction of the iconic "Akwaba" statue within a newly landscaped area.

The primary engineering structure is a flyover bridge with a deck measuring 395 meters in length, configured with 2x3 lanes. The secondary structure spans 362 meters and is built with an open portico of 17.50 meters, featuring 2x2 lanes. This facilitates the passage of Line 1 of the Abidjan Metro while ensuring seamless connectivity between the commune of Port-Bouët and the roundabout.

In addition to these major constructions, the Akwaba Interchange includes drainage and sanitation works, as well as security installations to ensure user safety.

According to the Minister of Equipment and Road Maintenance, Amédé Koffi Kouakou, this large-scale project is part of the Greater Abidjan Competitiveness Support Project (PACOGA), a 217 billion FCFA initiative led by the Ivorian government in collaboration with the World Bank.

“The Akwaba Interchange is located at the crossroads of four strategic routes: Boulevard de l’Aéroport, Boulevard Félix Houphouët-Boigny, the Bassam Highway, and Boulevard Hortense Aka-Anghui,” explained Minister Kouakou. “These intersections are crucial points in Abidjan’s road traffic network. This area, which handles an estimated 170,000 vehicles per day, has long suffered from recurring traffic jams, especially during peak hours. These traffic challenges cause delays for users, particularly those traveling to the airport, and hinder the economic vitality of port and airport zones. Thanks to the completion of this project, we are turning an important page for road users and the people of Abidjan who regularly pass through this interchange,” he stated with satisfaction.

He further revealed that 450 workers were mobilized for the execution of the project.

Highlighting the significance of this infrastructure, Minister Kouakou pointed out that the Akwaba Interchange is the third major interchange constructed along Boulevard Félix Houphouët-Boigny, following the Third Bridge Interchange and Phase 2 of the Shinzo Abe Interchange. He also announced that by the end of July, a fourth interchange—at the Grand Carrefour of Koumassi—will be inaugurated.

Marie-Chantal Uwanyiligira, Country Director for the World Bank in Côte d’Ivoire, whose institution financed the Akwaba Interchange, emphasized the link between urban mobility and employment opportunities.

“Improved transport services, which reduce travel time to workplaces, can change people’s lives,” she stated. According to her, Côte d’Ivoire is set to become Africa’s champion of urban mobility thanks to its completed and ongoing road infrastructure projects, including the bypass road currently under development