Morocco has embarked on constructing its largest and longest road viaduct over Oued Sakia El Hamra, situated along the Laâyoune bypass route. The project, inaugurated by Nizar Baraka, the Minister of Equipment and Water, represents an investment of 1.38 billion dirhams (MMDH).
The launch event, which marked the 25th anniversary of Throne Day, was attended by prominent figures including the Wali of the Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra region, Governor of Laâyoune province, Abdeslam Bekrate, and M’bark Fancha, Director of the Temporary Development Directorate of the RN1 from Tiznit to Dakhla, alongside other elected officials.
This monumental bridge spans 1,648 meters in length and 21.4 meters in width, with an estimated construction period of 40 months. Designed to meet stringent safety and environmental standards, it features two separate roadways with two lanes each and a pedestrian sidewalk.
The viaduct is a significant component of the Tiznit-Dakhla expressway, part of a broader development plan for the southern provinces. This infrastructure will enhance regional connectivity, streamline traffic flow to and from the southern provinces, and link Morocco more closely with sub-Saharan Africa. Moreover, it aims to mitigate traffic disruptions caused by floods in the Oued Sakia El Hamra, thereby improving road safety and the environmental quality of Laâyoune.
In a statement to the press, Minister Baraka emphasized the viaduct’s role in enhancing road safety and service quality for users. He also highlighted the socio-economic benefits of the Tiznit-Dakhla expressway, which supports the new development model for the southern provinces, fostering economic growth and attracting investments.
During the launch, detailed updates were provided on the progress of the Tiznit-Dakhla expressway, which is nearing completion with a 97% progress rate. Spanning 980 kilometers and featuring 15 major structures, the expressway includes segments like the 114-kilometer Tiznit-Guelmim axis, which is 87% complete with an investment of 2 MMDH, and the recently opened 441-kilometer Guelmim-Laâyoune axis, completed at a cost of 6 MMDH. The Laâyoune-Dakhla segment, stretching 500 kilometers and costing 1 MMDH, was completed two years ago.
The Tiznit-Dakhla expressway, extending over 1,055 kilometers with a total investment of approximately 10 MMDH, is a critical catalyst for the economic and social development of Morocco’s southern provinces.
