Construction of Fez-Taounate Expressway in Morocco Progresses Despite Challenges

Mohamed Mouhtadi, in charge of the Provisional Development of the Fez-Taounate Expressway, indicated that the first phase, connecting Taounate to Oulad Daoud over 16 km, is 65% completed. The project has encountered difficulties, particularly the relocation of drinking water, electricity and fiber optic networks, as well as expropriation procedures.

This first phase, with a budget of 260 million dirhams, consists of three sections. The Taounate-Aïn Aïcha axis is 90% completed, the Aïn Aïcha-Oulad Daoud axis is 70% completed and the section in the center of Aïn Aïcha is 10% completed, after the finalization of drainage works.

The second phase, connecting Oulad Daoud to the Bouaarous road over 19 km, began in July and shows a 20% progress. Its cost is estimated at 300 million dirhams.

The completion of the first phase is scheduled for April 2025, while that of the second phase is expected for the end of 2025 or the beginning of 2026. The third phase, connecting the Bouaarous road to Aïn Kansara, is in the tender phase, with an estimated cost of 330 million dirhams. The fourth phase, connecting Aïn Kansara to Fez, is under study and the work should start in 2025.

In addition to the expressways, the project provides for the construction of 11 engineering structures, including two bridges over the Oued Ouergha, at a cost of 110 million dirhams. Ten other bridges are planned for 2025, with a budget of 180 million dirhams.

The overall cost of this 71 km expressway is estimated at 1.56 billion dirhams, financed by the Ministry of Equipment and Water, the Fez-Meknès region, the Taounate Provincial Council and the Agency for the Promotion and Development of the Northern Provinces.