The Sahara.. Construction of the largest road bridge in Morocco is advancing rapidly
The construction of the largest and longest road bridge in Morocco, spanning the Oued Sakia El Hamra in Laayoune, is progressing swiftly, with completion reaching over 23 percent.
This monumental engineering project is part of the Tiznit-Dakhla highway, which is a central element of the new development model for the southern regions. A budget of 1.38 billion dirhams has been allocated for its construction, with the bridge expected to extend 1,648 meters in length and 21.4 meters in width.
The bridge, overseen by the Ministry of Equipment and Water, is supported by 15 sections with deep foundations totaling 7 kilometers in length, and it is projected to be completed by July 2027.
This project aims to enhance road infrastructure and improve traffic flow in Laayoune, featuring dual lanes in each direction and pedestrian walkways. This will help reduce traffic congestion, facilitate the movement of goods and people, and strengthen ties between Morocco and its African neighbors.
The ring road for Laayoune is a crucial step towards developing infrastructure that meets safety and environmental sustainability standards, while also helping to avoid traffic disruptions caused by floods and improving overall road safety.
The Tiznit-Dakhla highway involves the duplication and widening of National Road No. 1 over a distance of 1,055 kilometers. This initiative is part of the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, who launched it in 2015, serving as a key driver for social and economic development in the southern regions.
The project is expected to reduce transportation time by more than 5 hours for light vehicles and 3 hours for heavy trucks, thereby lowering costs and boosting trade between the southern regions and the rest of the country.
The road project includes 16 bridges, 7 rest areas, truck parking spaces, 18 unloading zones, and 6 ring roads, all executed with strict adherence to technical standards despite challenges related to health conditions and complex geographical terrain.
This achievement reflects a strategic developmental vision based on collaboration among the Ministries of Equipment and Water, Interior, and Finance, alongside relevant stakeholders, to establish territorial integration and strengthen economic links between Morocco and Sub-Saharan Africa.
