The project is one of the first design, build, finance and operate concessions in West Africa.
The US$289 million construction work for the Henri Konan Bédié Bridge and the associated motorway was carried out by Bouygues Construction subsidiaries Bouygues Travaux Publics, DTP and VSL.
The dual three-lane toll bridge slashes jouney times between two major districts of Abidjan to 15 minutes from more than an hour.
Philippe Bonnave, deputy chief executive of Bouygues Construction, said: "This new stretch of road will allow the inhabitants of Abidjan to enjoy the benefits of improved traffic conditions. As well as opening up the neighbouring hinterland, the new infrastructure will facilitate the transportation of freight to the largest port on Africa's West Coast."
At peak periods, 1,500 people were working on site, many of them locally hired employees. When the works began in 2011, it was necessary to invest in training local employees to equip them with the skills needed.
