The bustling Caraïbes street in Port-Bouët, a key artery in southern Abidjan, has been closed to traffic since July 15 for a period of two and a half months. Authorities have implemented this temporary halt to facilitate the construction of a critical railway bridge deck for Line 1 of the Abidjan metro system. Normal traffic flow is expected to resume on September 30.
Drivers are advised to adhere strictly to the revised traffic plan and safety protocols around the construction zone. This closure aligns with the tight construction schedule for Côte d’Ivoire’s first-ever elevated metro line.
Ambitious 37.4 km route spanning seven districts
Line 1 will connect Anyama, north of the economic capital, to Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport in Port-Bouët, cutting through seven districts over 37.4 kilometers. This automated metro system is projected to transport over 500,000 passengers daily, completing the journey in just 50 minutes—approximately eight times faster than current peak-hour road travel.
The project encompasses 18 stations, 24 bridges, a lagoon-spanning viaduct, and 34 pedestrian walkways. Recent updates indicate that civil engineering work on the lagoon viaduct is nearly complete, with 12 of the 24 planned bridge decks already finished. The metro is slated for inauguration by late 2028.
French-led consortium behind the megaproject
The Abidjan metro is being developed by a French consortium comprising Bouygues Travaux Publics, Alstom, Colas Rail, and Keolis. Bouygues is overseeing civil engineering and rolling stock supply, while Keolis will manage operations for 15 years post-completion.
The total investment is estimated at €1.36 billion, largely financed by France through the French Development Agency and loans from the French Treasury. This positions the metro as one of France’s most significant transport investments in West Africa.
Abidjan’s pressing need for modern transit
With Abidjan’s metropolitan area home to 5.5 million people, the city’s chronic congestion has crippled its main arteries due to a lack of high-capacity public transport. Port-Bouët, a coastal district south of the city, hosts the international airport and several industrial zones, further straining local infrastructure.
Designed to alleviate road network pressure, the metro will provide a reliable alternative to buses and shared taxis. Local employment opportunities are expected to surge during both construction and operational phases.
Strategic implications for France
For Paris, the Abidjan metro represents a strategic economic and diplomatic asset in Francophone Africa. The project underscores France’s approach to funding critical infrastructure in its former territories, where French firms maintain dominance amid competition from China and Turkey.
The metro’s success could pave the way for similar high-profile projects in neighboring countries like Senegal and Guinea. With construction progressing swiftly, the closure of Caraïbes street marks one of the final critical phases before rail installation and Alstom train integration across the entire route.
