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May 12, 2004
USAID AND THE COALITION PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY
RE-OPEN THE KHAZIR BRIDGE
BAGHDAD, IRAQ – As part of the U.S. Government's overall reconstruction
efforts in Iraq and in cooperation with the Coalition Provisional Authority
(CPA), the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced the
re-opening of the Khazir Bridge over the Greater Zab River between Mosul and
Arbil. The bridge is critical for the movement of fuel and agricultural products
in northern Iraq.
The Khazir Bridge is the second of three prioritized bridges to be completed as
part of the U.S. Government's rebuilding efforts in Iraq. USAID partner Bechtel,
in cooperation with the Ministry of Public Works, is implementing $28 million in
projects for the repair of Iraq’s bridges and railways.
A divided highway passes over the twin concrete structures of the Khazir Bridge,
carrying two lanes of traffic in each direction. Extensive damage to the bridge
made it a major safety hazard. Substantial damage to the northern abutment and
first span on both bridges had caused the spans to fail.
Workers conducted a survey for unexploded ordnance before demolishing damaged
sections and beginning construction work. The U.S. military then installed a
temporary bridge over the damaged span, and Bechtel and its Iraqi partner, 77
Construction Company, removed debris from the site, filled earth around the
abutment piers, realigned the spans, reinforced pier piling foundations,
replaced the concrete bridge deck and approach beams, and repaired hand rails
and lighting.
The total cost of the project is about $3.2 million.
Iraq’s transportation networks are vital supports of commerce, culture, and
infrastructure. For more information on CPA’s and USAID's reconstruction efforts
in Iraq including additional photos, please visit
www.cpa-iraq.org and
www.usaid.gov/iraq/.
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