18 hours ago
Morocco Accelerates Highway Construction with 1,200 Kilometers of New Routes
Rabat — Morocco is embarking on an ambitious infrastructure expansion with nearly 300 kilometers of expressways currently under construction and an additional 900 kilometers planned across various regional development projects, Equipment and Water Minister Nizar Baraka announced Monday.
Speaking during a session dedicated to parliamentary questions in the House of Representatives, Baraka outlined the scope of Morocco's highway development program, which encompasses major cross-country connections and regional infrastructure improvements designed to boost economic development and connectivity across the country.
Major expressway projects
Among the flagship projects, the minister mentioned the expressway linking Tiznit to Dakhla, a strategic route that will connect Morocco's Atlantic coast with its southern regions. The project portfolio also includes the Fez-Taounate expressway via National Road 8, which will improve connections to the northern regions.
Infrastructure development around Morocco's key ports features prominently in the plans, with a dedicated link to the Nador West Med port designed to enhance the facility's connectivity to the national transportation network. Meanwhile, the Tetouan-Chefchaouen expressway via National Road 2 will further strengthen northern Morocco's road infrastructure.
Regional development projects include Agadir's northeastern ring road and urban highway, reflecting the government's focus on improving traffic flow in major urban centers. The expansion of National Road 6 to three lanes between Dar Sekka and Sidi Allal El Bahraoui, along with the Sidi Yahya-Sidi Kacem expressway via National Road 4, will enhance connectivity in central Morocco.
Regional partnership initiatives
The minister also announced progress on the widening of Regional Road 710 connecting Khenifra to Boujaad over 85 kilometers. This project, developed under a partnership agreement for road infrastructure projects in the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region, is part of the State-Region program contract (2020-2022) with an estimated cost of MAD 364 million ($36.4 million).
Baraka noted that execution studies for the nine-meter widening project have reached an advanced stage, indicating imminent commencement of construction work.
Highway network expansion
The ministry is accelerating construction of the Guercif-Nador highway, a 104-kilometer route requiring an investment of approximately 7.9 billion dirhams. The project will directly connect the Nador West Med port to Morocco's national highway network, significantly improving cargo transportation efficiency.
Through the National Highway Company of Morocco (ADM), the ministry continues work on the Tit Mellil-Berrechid highway spanning 30 kilometers, as well as the 59-kilometer continental Rabat-Casablanca highway, both critical for improving connections between Morocco's economic centers.
Strategic infrastructure investment
The comprehensive highway development program represents Morocco's commitment to modernizing its transportation infrastructure as part of broader economic development strategies. The projects span from the Atlantic coast to inland regions, with particular focus on connecting ports, industrial zones, and regional centers.
The initiative reflects the government's recognition of transportation infrastructure as a cornerstone of economic growth, facilitating trade, tourism, and regional development across the country.
With construction already underway on multiple fronts and additional projects in planning phases, Morocco is positioning itself for enhanced connectivity and economic competitiveness in the coming years.
The country is also preparing for two upcoming prestigious football tournaments, AFCON 2025 and 2030 FIFA World Cup, to be co-hosted with Spain and Portugal. Tags: ADMexpresswayhighways in Morocconational road