Port-Bouët’s bustling Caribbean street, a vital artery in Abidjan’s southern district, has been sealed off to all traffic since Wednesday, July 15. This temporary closure, lasting two and a half months, is part of the broader construction efforts for the railway bridge that will support Line 1 of the Abidjan metro. Traffic is expected to resume on September 30, allowing residents and commuters to navigate the area once again.
The closure comes after an official announcement from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Road Maintenance, along with the project’s official communication channels. Drivers are urged to adhere to the newly established traffic diversion plan and strictly follow safety guidelines around the construction zone. This shutdown marks a critical phase in the tight construction timeline for Côte d’Ivoire’s first aerial metro line.
Connecting seven districts with a 37.4 km metro line
Line 1 of the Abidjan metro will stretch 37.4 kilometers, linking Anyama in the northern outskirts of the economic capital to Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport in the southern district of Port-Bouët. The route traverses seven key districts, promising to revolutionize public transport in the region.
According to project engineers, the automated metro system is designed to accommodate over 500,000 daily passengers, completing the journey in just 50 minutes—nearly eight times faster than the current peak-hour car commute. The infrastructure includes 18 stations, 24 bridges, a lagoon-spanning viaduct, and 34 pedestrian walkways. As of last month, construction of the lagoon viaduct was nearly complete, with 12 of the 24 planned bridge decks already erected. The full line is slated to open in late 2028, pending final inspections and testing.
French-led consortium drives metro construction
The metro is being built by a French-led consortium comprising Bouygues Travaux Publics, Alstom, Colas Rail, and Keolis. Bouygues oversees civil engineering and rolling stock supply, while Keolis will manage the line’s operations for 15 years post-completion. The project’s total cost is estimated at €1.36 billion, largely financed by France through the French Development Agency and loans from the French Treasury. This makes it one of the largest French investments in West African transport infrastructure.
Addressing Abidjan’s chronic traffic congestion
With over 5.5 million residents, Abidjan’s metropolitan area is bursting at the seams. Port-Bouët, a coastal district in the south, hosts the international airport and several industrial zones. Daily gridlock on major roads underscores the urgent need for high-capacity public transit, as existing bus and shared taxi options fail to meet demand. The metro aims to alleviate road congestion while providing a fast, reliable alternative for commuters.
Local employment is another key benefit: thousands of jobs are expected during both construction and operation phases, boosting economic opportunities in the region.
Strategic implications for France
From a French perspective, the Abidjan metro represents more than just infrastructure—it’s a strategic tool for economic and diplomatic influence in Francophone Africa. The project reinforces France’s commitment to funding core infrastructure in its former territories, where French firms continue to outpace rivals from China and Turkey in key sectors. Success here could pave the way for similar ventures in Senegal and Guinea, further solidifying France’s footprint in the region.
The ongoing construction, now in its critical phase with the Caribbean street closure, brings the metro closer to its ambitious 2028 launch. With rail-laying and Alstom train installations on the horizon, the project is steadily moving toward completion.
