Freetown, 24th August 2026 – Sierra Leone’s long-awaited Lungi Bridge project has taken a decisive step forward, with U.S. Ambassador-designate Daniel Travis confirming before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee that an agreement had been finalized with American infrastructure giant Acrow Corporation.
The deal was first reported signed in June 2025 at State House in Freetown, commits Acrow Corporation of America to design, build, operate, and eventually transfer the multi-billion-dollar bridge that will span the Sierra Leone River, linking Freetown directly to Lungi International Airport.
Acrow will finance, construct, and manage the 7–8 km bridge before handing it back after a concession period of 30–35 years. The estimated cost is $1.15–$1.5 billion and a construction timeline of between 3 to 6 years.
Ambassador-designate Travis described the bridge as part of a broader pipeline of American-led projects, noting that the Acrow agreement alone could generate “hundreds of millions of dollars in U.S. exports” while cementing Washington’s role in Sierra Leone’s economic future.
This breakthrough follows years of stalled attempts. A 2023 MoU with China Road and Bridge Corporation collapsed over financing and technical hurdles. The Acrow deal, however, signals renewed political will and international confidence, though actual construction start dates remain tied to financing arrangements and feasibility studies.
For Sierra Leoneans, the Lungi Bridge will represent more than concrete and steel. It is a symbol of infrastructural ambition, a gateway to expanded tourism, and a catalyst for economic growth. Once completed, it will redefine how the nation connects to the world.
