13.04.2018

Eiffage Génie Civil starts work on Félix Houphouët-Boigny Bridge on the Ivory Coast

On 6 April 2018, Ivorian Prime Minister Amadou Gon Coulibaly set in motion the official launch of the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Bridge upgrading project in Abidjan. 

This road and rail bridge is one of the Ivorian economic capital's emblematic structures, having linked the two banks of the Ebrié Lagoon since 1957, and it now needs major upgrading work to improve security. 

"The foundations are worn out and need rebuilding. Our construction method will limit long, heavy operations from the deck in order to disturb traffic as little as possible during work on the structure and inside the box-girders on the railway track." Christian Combes, Eiffage Infrastructure Branch's Africa Director. 
 
The works aim to reinforce the foundations in the lagoon by building new piles  - the first of which will be installed in May - and upgrade the box girders supporting road and rail traffic. Finally, protective railings will be added to improve safety for the bridge's users.

This fine project is technically complex and has benefitted from the expertise of Eiffage's design and engineering department BIEP comprising seasoned engineers and designers experienced in complicated calculations and building techniques. 

The project contract was won by the consortium Eiffage Génie Civil (leader) and Spie Fondations in November 2017. Delivery is scheduled for 2020.

 

Ivorian Prime Minister Gon Coulibaly with Transport, Budget and Economic Infrastructures Ministers, the French Ambassador and Managing Directors of the AFD and Agéroute -

Picture by Don VIGNA.

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