Improved Travel and Trade with New Wasit Road Development

The Ministry of Planning has conducted a field visit to assess the progress of the second lane construction on the (Kut – Badra – Mahran) road, including the Kalala – Badra Bridge, spanning 76 kilometres in Wasit Governorate. This critical infrastructure project aims to enhance transportation efficiency, reduce traffic accidents, and ease the movement of goods and passengers.

According to a statement released by the ministry on Monday, the project involves:

1. Establishing a single-lane road parallel to the existing (Kut – Badra) lane, stretching 33 kilometres with a width of 8.25 metres.
2. Building a two-lane road extending 6 kilometres, with each lane measuring 8.25 metres in width, starting from the Badra Bridge intersection and leading to the district centre.
3. Constructing the Kalala – Badra Bridge, measuring 490 metres in length with two lanes, each 9 metres wide.
4. Constructing the Badra Intersection Bridge, featuring a single lane with a length of 89 metres.

The project, currently at a 79% completion rate, is anticipated to conclude by mid-2025. Upon completion, it is expected to alleviate congestion on the existing road, elevate safety standards, and significantly facilitate travel and trade between Iraq and Iran by linking Wasit Governorate to the Zurbatiyah border crossing.

However, the ministry highlighted a conflict involving electricity transmission towers and poles within the project area. To address this issue and ensure timely completion, the Ministry of Planning has urged the relevant authorities to promptly resolve these obstacles.