Morocco Completes Vital 1,055-km Tiznit-Dakhla Expressway, Boosting Regional Connectivity

Saturday 11 January 2025 - 09:12

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco Completes Vital 1,055-km Tiznit-Dakhla Expressway, Boosting Regional Connectivity

Morocco has marked a significant milestone in its infrastructure development with the completion of the final segment of the Tiznit-Dakhla expressway. The newly opened 114-kilometer stretch, connecting Maader near Tiznit to Guelmim via Sidi Ifni, represents the culmination of a decade-long project that enhances connectivity across the nation's southern regions.

The comprehensive 1,055-kilometer expressway, which became fully operational on January 10, 2025, consists of three major sections. Project Director M'barek Fencha detailed that the Laayoune-Dakhla segment, spanning 500 kilometers, was completed earlier at a cost of 1 billion dirhams. The second phase, connecting Laayoune to Guelmim, extends 436 kilometers and required an investment of 5 billion MAD ($500 million), featuring complex engineering solutions including bridges across challenging terrain.

Initiated by King Mohamed VI in 2015, this 10-billion MAD ($1 billion) infrastructure project adheres to international safety standards and forms a crucial component of Morocco's southern regions development strategy. The expressway is designed to facilitate improved trade flows and economic growth throughout the region.

In related developments, Morocco's transportation infrastructure continues to expand. The Ministry of Equipment and Water has announced plans for several major projects, including a new Rabat-Casablanca freeway scheduled for completion in 2030. This route will provide access to the future Hassan 2nd stadium in Benslimane, which is set to become Africa's largest sports venue.

Additional infrastructure initiatives include the Guercif-Nador freeway, Casablanca-Berrechid expansion, and a proposed Fez-Marrakech connection via Beni Mellal and Khenifra. The Department of Public Works aims to extend Morocco's motorway network to 3,000 kilometers, supported by a 20-billion MAD ($2 billion) budget.

The government maintains a strong focus on infrastructure maintenance, allocating 3 billion dirhams annually to improve approximately 2,000 kilometers of roadway. These comprehensive infrastructure investments reflect Morocco's commitment to enhancing transportation networks, creating employment opportunities, and fostering economic development across the nation.