Authorities at the Ministry of Public Works (MoPW) has announced a temporary moratorium prohibiting the movement of heavy-duty cargo vehicles weighing 25 metric tons and above on several major unpaved road corridors during the 2026 rainy season.
The measure intends to protect national infrastructure, improve road safety, and prevent the rapid deterioration of roads caused by overloaded vehicles during the peak of the rainy months.
The moratorium was issued under the Ministry’s statutory mandate to safeguard public infrastructure, and ensure the continued accessibility of major transportation routes.
The authorities said, the restriction will take effect on July 31, 2026, and remain in force until October 15, 2026, covering a period of 75 days.
Under the directive, all heavy goods vehicles whose combined cargo and vehicle weight exceed 25 metric tons will be prohibited from using designated road corridors identified as “highly vulnerable” during the rainy season.
Among the affected routes is the 115-kilometer Tapita-to-Zwedru corridor, which traverses Nimba and Grand Gedeh counties, and serves as a vital transportation link for communities and businesses in the region.
The moratorium will also apply to the 111-kilometer Zwedru-to-Kanweaken road connecting Grand Gedeh and River Gee counties; a route that experiences significant deterioration during periods of heavy rainfall.
Additionally, the Ministry has included the Buchanan-to-Greenville corridor in the restriction.
The 205-kilometer stretch passes through Grand Bassa, Rivercess, and Sinoe counties, and is considered one of the most important economic and transportation corridors.
The Pleebo-to-Barclayville road, which extends approximately 75 kilometers through Maryland and Grand Kru counties, has also been placed under the temporary restriction.
In Lofa County, the Ministry has suspended the movement of heavy-duty vehicles on the 194-kilometer Salayea-to-Mendikorma corridor, citing concerns over road stability during the rainy season.
The Brewerville-to-Bopolu road, stretching approximately 90 kilometers across Montserrado, Bomi, and Gbarpolu counties, is likewise included in the list of restricted corridors.
Public Works officials said, the decision followed technical assessments indicating that excessive axle loads significantly accelerate road damage, especially when road surfaces become saturated by heavy rainfall.
The Ministry noted that preserving these corridors was essential to maintain connectivity for local communities, commercial activities, and emergency services throughout the rainy season.
Authorities further stated that restricting heavy-duty traffic during this period will reduce maintenance costs, and extend the lifespan of road infrastructure funded by the government and development partners.
The Ministry has meanwhile, called on transport operators, concessionaires, logistics companies, and other stakeholders to fully comply with the directive throughout the duration of the moratorium.
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