Completed Projects: Roads and Bridges
Iraq’s transportation networks are vital supports of Iraqi commerce, culture, and infrastructure. By 2004,
USAID had rebuilt a series of crucial bridges, reconnecting Iraqi cities and provinces while reestablishing
key commercial links to neighboring countries. A new railway connects Iraq’s only deep water port to a
faster and more reliable distribution system, improving the movement of goods and equipment throughout
the country while befitting local exporters.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: BRIDGES
USAID completed 36 detailed assessments
and demolished irreparable bridge sections in
the rebuilding of three key bridges: the Al Mat
Bridge, the Khazir Bridge, and the Tikrit
Bridge.
- The Al Mat Bridge is a key link on the
main highway between Baghdad and Jordan
used by more than 3,000 trucks
daily. Work was completed and the
bridge was reopened to two-way traffic
on March 3, 2004.
- The Khazir Bridge is critical to the flow of
fuel and agricultural products in northern
Iraq. The bridge’s four lanes were completed
on May 1, 2004.
- The Tikrit Bridge is an important link for
passengers and commerce over the Tigris
River between Tikrit and Tuz Khurmatu.
This two-lane bridge was reopened
to traffic on September 15, 2004.
In addition, USAID also repaired a floating
bridge over the Tigris River at Al Kut, improving
traffic for 50,000 travelers a day.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: RAILROADS
USAID’s partner completed an assessment of
over 1,100 kilometers of railroad track and
rail facilities throughout the country to identify
priority projects. Proper rail construction and
maintenance is vital in Iraq; rails can expand
significantly during the heat of the day. If not done correctly, the rails will bow in the heat and cause
trains to derail.
USAID also assisted with the construction of 72 kilometers of new track and rail facilities between the
Port of Umm Qasr and Shuaiba Junction, located west of Basrah, and connecting to the Baghdad
trunklines. This project was a joint US-Iraqi effort; USAID
constructed the civil facilities and provided project management
and materials, and the Iraqi Republic Railways
contributed project designs and materials, and supervised
construction. Reconstruction of the line was completed
in April 2004 and will increase the reliability of
grain and other cargo shipments from Umm Qasr Port to
storage silos and warehouses throughout the country.
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