USAID Announces the Re-Opening of the Khazir Bridge

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/ .