• Benin approves upgrades for 15.6 km Godomey-Akassato road and 5.3 km service lanes

• Route faces heavy congestion, connects Cotonou to fast-growing Abomey-Calavi

• Northern bypass project delayed due to technical route adjustment
  

The Beninese government has approved plans to maintain and upgrade the 15.64-kilometer Godomey Interchange-Akassato road segment, along with the construction of 5.3 kilometers of service roads between the Arconville intersection and Akassato, the Council of Ministers said on November 19, 2025.

According to the government, the stretch from the Godomey Interchange to Arconville shows minor surface deterioration, while the Arconville-Akassato portion can no longer absorb current traffic volumes.

The road is a key artery in the Abomey-Calavi urban network, a fast-growing municipality whose residents frequently commute to Cotonou. Its role as a continuation of the corridor linking the Port of Cotonou to the northern regions makes it one of the most congested routes in the country, especially during peak hours. With few alternative roads available, drivers traveling between peripheral districts often have no choice but to pass through this corridor.

Rising congestion on this section led the government to announce a northern bypass project for Cotonou several years ago to redirect heavy trucks coming from the port. However, construction of the bypass has faced delays. According to a recent update reported by local media and attributed to the Ministry of Living Environment and Transport, the setback is linked to technical adjustments, including changes to the original route.

Henoc Dossa