Nador West Med Highway: A Major Step for Morocco's Trade

The construction of the highway connecting Nador West Med to Morocco's national road network is nearing its final stages, with recent reports indicating that the third section of the project is now over 95 percent complete. This crucial segment stretches 27 kilometers, effectively linking national road N2 near Driouch with national road N16, and ending a mere eight kilometers from the expansive Nador West Med port complex. Ilyas El Mouden, a representative from the Société Nationale des Autoroutes du Maroc, has confirmed that the project teams are currently focused on the installation of both horizontal and vertical signage, alongside final technical assessments and preparations necessary for the upcoming inauguration of this vital route.

Investment and Engineering Challenges

Further developments are underway to the south, where work on a second, 40-kilometer section that connects national road N2 to Saka is progressing, although this particular phase is still in its early stages, with only about 8 percent completion achieved thus far. The extensive project has necessitated the relocation of nearly 11 million cubic meters of earth, underscoring the challenging terrain and the intricate civil engineering tasks involved. The highway route is equipped with 22 structural elements, including six major constructions designed to span riverbeds, along with an additional 16 structures comprising underpasses and overpasses, which are essential for maintaining both route continuity and user safety during transit.

Notably, the entire initiative relies exclusively on Moroccan expertise, drawing from local construction firms, engineering offices, and technical laboratories, as well as teams responsible for overseeing and monitoring the project’s progress. This highway connection represents a significant investment of 7.8 billion dirhams. As the Driouch-Nador West Med section edges closer to completion, it will facilitate the integration of the future port into Morocco’s national highway network. This development is intended to streamline road logistics and enhance the region's economic dynamics, ultimately bolstering the attractiveness of the area. Over the long term, this new highway link is anticipated to support the increasing activities at Nador West Med and contribute substantially to economic growth across the broader Oriental region.

As reported by medafricatimes.com.