Construction of Morocco’s largest road bridge is progressing along the banks of the Saguia el-Hamra river, with work now more than one-third complete, project officials said.
The bridge forms part of the Tiznit–Dakhla expressway, a flagship infrastructure project aimed at improving road connectivity in Morocco’s southern provinces. According to Moubarak Fencha, head of the temporary directorate overseeing the project, construction has reached about 33% completion.
Spanning approximately 1.65 kilometers and measuring about 21 meters in width, the bridge is designed to ease traffic congestion and reduce travel times, particularly at the northern entrance to Laayoune, where urban and economic growth has increased pressure on road infrastructure.
Officials said the structure is intended to meet international safety and environmental standards. Plans include separated traffic lanes in both directions and dedicated pedestrian walkways, aimed at improving road safety and long-term durability.
The bridge is a central component of the broader Tiznit–Dakhla expressway project, which seeks to facilitate the movement of people and goods, support investment and strengthen links between the southern regions and the rest of the country.
Fensha said the project includes 15 reinforced concrete spans supported by deep foundations extending more than 9 kilometers in total. The total cost of the bridge is estimated at 1.38 billion dirhams (about $138 million).
According to project data, around 80% of deep and surface foundations have been completed, along with 65% of the supporting columns. Construction of the superstructure has begun, with overall progress described as steady despite technical and logistical challenges.
The bridge is designed to accommodate two separate carriageways, each with two traffic lanes, in addition to pedestrian paths. Engineers say it has been built to withstand heavy loads and variable water levels, ensuring uninterrupted traffic flow across the river.
Authorities expect construction to be completed by July 2027.
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