The Oued Sakia El Hamra viaduct in Laâyoune, Morocco, is currently under construction, with a reported 57% completion rate. The project is part of the Tiznit-Dakhla expressway, a strategic 1,055 km route aimed at enhancing connectivity in the southern provinces and strengthening Morocco's ties with Africa.
The viaduct, measuring 1,648 meters in length and 21.4 meters in width, is a significant component of the Tiznit-Dakhla expressway. The project, valued at over 9 billion dirhams, includes 16 major engineering structures. The viaduct itself has a budget of 1.375 billion dirhams and features a complex technical design.
The construction process involves a structure made of pre-stressed concrete, built using the successive cantilever technique. The viaduct rests on 14 piers, some of which reach 46.5 meters in height, while the deep foundations extend 24 to 46 meters underground. The project requires approximately 70,000 cubic meters of concrete and 12,000 tons of steel.
M'bark Fancha, central director of the Tiznit-Dakhla expressway, highlighted the project's strategic importance, which is part of the southern provinces' development program. The expressway is expected to have positive impacts on road safety, traffic flow, and investment attractiveness. The viaduct is a crucial element in this project, and its completion is anticipated to improve traffic conditions and reduce pressure on urban circulation.
The construction site employs around 900 people, working in three teams to ensure continuous activity. The project is in a delicate phase, requiring precise execution and rigorous monitoring. The successive cantilever technique demands specific expertise and constant quality control of materials and concrete.
The project's environmental aspect is significant, considering the ecological value of the Oued Sakia El Hamra, a Ramsar site since April 2019. The area is a vital habitat for numerous animal and plant species, including several water birds. Measures are being taken to preserve the ecosystem during construction and minimize potential disturbances to local biodiversity.
Upon completion, the viaduct is expected to enhance Laâyoune's attractiveness, support urban modernization, and preserve the environment. The project aligns with a development vision aimed at modernizing infrastructure in the southern provinces, promoting socio-economic growth, and solidifying their role as a hub between Morocco and Africa.
Key points
- The Oued Sakia El Hamra viaduct is a key component of Morocco's Tiznit-Dakhla expressway, a strategic project aimed at enhancing regional connectivity.
- The project's 57% completion rate reflects significant progress, with the viaduct expected to improve road safety and traffic flow in the region.
- The construction process involves complex technical designs and a focus on environmental preservation, ensuring the project's sustainability and minimal impact on local ecosystems.
