Geotechnical Study Initiated for Agadir Bypass Highway
The Souss-Massa Regional Directorate of Equipment, Transport, and Logistics has officially restarted the supplementary geotechnical study for the preliminary project of the Agadir bypass highway. This vital infrastructure aims to connect the Marrakech-Agadir highway to the Tiznit-Dakhla expressway, utilizing the existing northeast bypass of Agadir. The project, estimated at 2.5 million dirhams, is focused on entrusting a specialized provider with an in-depth analysis of the soil and rock formations along the proposed route.
Notably, this authority has previously initiated the preliminary project expertise as well as the geotechnical study, which has now been relaunched, amounting to an investment of 4.31 million dirhams. This study is critical in ensuring the stability and safety of the infrastructure, comprising several key phases. It begins with geological and geotechnical reconnaissance, which includes identifying geological and geotechnical characteristics, pinpointing potentially challenging areas, and refining the investigation program.
Subsequent phases include conducting geotechnical reconnaissance, analyzing and interpreting results, and compiling geotechnical reports relevant to the preliminary project expertise. A distinct yet related task will involve evaluating and validating the geotechnical aspects of the preliminary study, which will be undertaken by another appointed consulting firm. The overall timeframe for completing the study is set at three months from the issuance of the service order. The initiation of this tender marks a significant advancement in the preparation of the Agadir bypass highway, an essential project designed to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance regional connectivity.
Ongoing Projects and Future Expansion Plans
In parallel with this supplementary study, various other construction projects are underway, including the third section linking Agadir port to Al Massira Airport. This segment is progressing over a distance of five kilometers, originating from the Abaraz roundabout in Hay Mohammadi towards the port, with a financial commitment of 171.7 million dirhams as part of the latest section of this initiative. Attention is also directed towards constructing a trench at Abaraz.
This construction endeavor is part of the Urban Development Program for the city spanning 2020-2024, which includes associated works for the northeast bypass (2×2 lanes) of Greater Agadir. The city will soon have its fourth trench, with a budget of 88.84 million dirhams, alongside the already completed overpass on National Road 10 (connecting Agadir to Taroudant). The execution of these works is scheduled within a 14-month timeline, aiming for completion by May 2027. This will facilitate the connection between Agadir port and Al Massira Airport starting from the Abaraz roundabout in Hay Mohammadi. This section, ranging from PK 18+056 to PK 23+223, is expected to be completed in 24 months, playing a crucial role in the overall 29 km ring road, as it will provide direct access from Agadir Al Massira Airport to the port, particularly via the port's third access point.
Additionally, the budget for the study regarding the extension of this route towards Taghazout has been doubled, increasing from 4.99 million dirhams to 9.04 million dirhams, aimed at refining technical engineering and traffic forecasts over 20 years. This project encompasses four missions involving the design of the route and intersections, along with the traffic forecasts, and infrastructure works, particularly over the Asserssif and Tamraght rivers. The culmination of these services is intended to produce the consultation file for companies (DCE) in preparation for the commencement of works. The extension towards Taghazout is essential to address the significant traffic congestion observed during the summer months. Beyond mere traffic relief, this infrastructure is expected to bolster accessibility to four major tourist hubs along the northern coast, namely Taghazout, Imi Ouaddar, the future Aghroud resort, and Imsouane, thereby enhancing the attractiveness of the Souss-Massa region's Atlantic facade.
As reported by leseco.ma.
