New Algerian routes

A major new expressway will link Tizi-Ouzou in Algeria to the country’s East-West highway. The local authorities have been given a budget of US$623 million for the project.

The expressway will connect to the East-West highway at Bouira. The project forms part of the 2010-14 five year plan and is required as the existing route linking Tizi-Ouzou to the East-West highway, the TN 12, is now carrying more vehicles than it was designed for. Meanwhile a feasibility study has been completed for a new six-lane highway linking the Algerian port of Oran with the East-West highway.

The preliminary study was carried out by Canadian company SM International while the feasibility study was undertaken by French firm 1559 Ingerop International. Algeria’s Government is investing US$253.4 million in the project, which will include upgrades to surrounding roads to relieve traffic congestion in the area. The project will require extensive earthmoving, excavation and reinforcement works, as the highway will run through challenging terrain featuring steep slopes. The authorities in Algeria are also planning major road network upgrades for the country’s Sétif Region.

Some US$387.5 million has been budgeted for a programme of works that will see a series of major improvements to National roads that connect Sétif Region to Constantine, Bejaïa and M'sila. The Sétif Region has a road network comprising some 3,560km in total.