Agadir Expands Transport Network with Major Underpass and Coastal Road Extension

Included in the 2020-2024 Urban Development Program, this 88.84 million dirham project, aimed at improving traffic flow on the Northeast bypass, will provide Agadir with its fourth underpass by May 2027.

This 91-meter gantry will facilitate the strategic connection between the port and Al Massira Airport, while reducing urban congestion caused by heavy goods vehicles. In parallel, technical studies are accelerating to extend this route towards Taghazout in order to improve access to the coastal tourist destinations.

While construction of the third section linking the port of Agadir to Al Massira Airport is progressing over 5 kilometers, starting from the Abaraz roundabout in Hay Mohammadi and heading towards the port, representing an investment of 171.7 million dirhams, attention is also focused on the construction of the underpass at Abaraz.

This project, part of the Agadir’ 2020-2024 Urban Development Program, also includes the associated works for the northeastern bypass (2×2 lanes) of Greater Agadir. The city will thus be equipped with its fourth underpass, parallel to the overpass providing access to National Route 10 (connecting Agadir to Taroudant).

The project, led by the Provincial Directorate of Equipment, Transport and Logistics of Agadir Ida-Outanane, has a budget estimate of 88.84 million dirhams (MDH). This phase marks another turning point in the modernization of the city’s road infrastructure, aiming to improve traffic flow on a strategic route for the northeastern bypass of Greater Agadir, particularly given the port’s new third access point.

From a technical standpoint, the main structure consists of an open, reinforced concrete portal frame with a total length of 91 meters. The structure is designed to handle heavy traffic flow, with a total width of 19 meters, divided into two carriageways of eight meters each, a one-meter-wide central median, and sidewalks. The vertical clearance of 5.10 meters ensures the safe passage of various types of vehicles, thus meeting safety and comfort standards for users of this roadway.

Delivery scheduled for May 2027

Beyond the underpass itself, the project includes complex retaining structures, essential for the configuration of the bypass. The work is scheduled for completion in May 2027, with a target date of May 2027, and is structured in three distinct phases. The first phase, lasting one month, is dedicated to the preparatory period, followed by the main 12-month phase for earthworks, construction of the underpass, retaining walls, and roadbed. The final month is devoted to site restoration and dismantling.

The specifications require a highly resistant, multi-layered pavement structure to withstand the expected heavy traffic in Agadir. The composition includes 7 cm of asphalt concrete (BBSG2), 12 cm of bituminous gravel (GB3), and two 20 cm layers of untreated gravel (GNF1). This quality requirement will be accompanied by compaction tests to achieve 98% of the normal Proctor optimum density.

Managing environmental and social impact is also a central pillar of this consultation, with a Site Environmental Protection Plan (SEP). Under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Equipment and Water, the construction of this underpass in Abaraz is a key lever for urban decongestion and economic development. It will connect the port of Agadir to Al Massira Airport, starting from the Abarraz roundabout in Hay Mohammadi.

This section, running from kilometer marker 18+056 to kilometer marker 23+223, is scheduled for completion within 24 months. Its completion is crucial for the overall 29 km ring road, as it will directly connect Agadir Al Massira Airport to the port area, notably via the port’s third access point. This link will significantly improve heavy goods vehicle traffic flow, reduce travel times, and help alleviate congestion on the city’s main arteries, thereby increasing the capacity of the Greater Agadir road network.

The extensionof the road from Agadir to Taghazout is in the study phase

The budget for the study to extend this road to Taghazout has been doubled, increasing from 4.99 million dirhams (MDH) to 9.04 million dirhams (MDH), in order to refine the technical engineering and traffic forecasts over 20 years. This project, comprised of four phases, focuses on the design of the route and intersections, as well as 20-year traffic forecasts, in addition to engineering structures, particularly over the Asserssif and Tamraght wadis. All of these services will lead to the preparation of the tender documents (DCE) in preparation for the commencement of construction.

This extension to Taghazout is essential to alleviate the severe traffic congestion experienced during the summer. Beyond simply easing congestion, this infrastructure should improve access to the four major tourist hubs on the northern coast: Taghazout, Imi Ouaddar, the future resort of Aghroud, and Imsouane, thereby increasing the attractiveness of the Souss-Massa region’s Atlantic coastline.

In detail, the bypass continuity study is structured into four phases. The first establishes the technical basis through comprehensive topographic surveys (aerial photogrammetry, ground surveys, and cadastral plans for expropriation purposes). The second phase focuses on the design of the route and intersections, including geometry, drainage, environmental impact assessment, and 20-year traffic projections. The third phase is dedicated to the engineering of the structures. Finally, the fourth phase involves geotechnical expertise to validate soil stability and foundation design.

__

(Featured image by Donald Giannitti via Unsplash)

DISCLAIMER: This article was written by a third party contributor and does not reflect the opinion of Born2Invest, its management, staff or its associates. Please review our disclaimer for more information.

This article may include forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “become,” “plan,” “will,” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks as well as uncertainties, including those discussed in the following cautionary statements and elsewhere in this article and on this site. Although the Company may believe that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, the actual results that the Company may achieve may differ materially from any forward-looking statements, which reflect the opinions of the management of the Company only as of the date hereof. Additionally, please make sure to read these important disclosures.

First published in LES ECO.ma. A third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

Although we made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translations, some parts may be incorrect. Born2Invest assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions or ambiguities in the translations provided on this website. Any person or entity relying on translated content does so at their own risk. Born2Invest is not responsible for losses caused by such reliance on the accuracy or reliability of translated information. If you wish to report an error or inaccuracy in the translation, we encourage you to contact us.