The preliminary design for the planned highway connecting Iraq and Turkey has been completed. Final design work is now underway for the project, which is expected to cost US$17 billion to construct.
The highway will also feature a rail link running parallel and is expected to give a significant boost to trade and transport for the region. Both Iraq and Turkey have carried out extensive discussions over the project, which is also being backed by Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
Work to build the Development Road link is due to commence in 2025. Stretching around 1,200km, the road and rail link will compete with the Suez Canal as a transport connection. Construction work on the project will be carried out in three phases.
The route links the port of Faw in Iraq's Basra region with the port of Mesrin in Turkey. Further development work will be required the port facilities at Faw.
