Homs, May 23 (SANA) Minister of Transport Yarub Badr and Homs Governor Murhaf al-Naasan inspected on Saturday the final stages of the rehabilitation and restoration project of al-Rastan Bridge, which is nearing completion in preparation for reopening at the beginning of next June.
Director General of the General Establishment for Road Transport, Engineer Muaz Najjar, said that reopening the bridge will significantly facilitate traffic movement, reduce travel time, and limit accidents, highlighting its strategic importance as a key junction and economic artery linking several Syrian provinces.
Najjar pointed to the efforts made to complete the project despite technical and logistical challenges, noting that the rehabilitation process posed a real test for national engineering teams, while work has been progressing at an accelerated pace.
For his part, Technical Director of the project, Engineer Safwan Ibrahim Bakaya, confirmed that all major works have been completed, adding that the bridge is now fully ready for traffic, with only final finishing touches remaining.
Bakaya stressed that the quality of the rehabilitation was ensured through adherence to international engineering standards and specifications for bridge construction, in addition to precise laboratory testing of concrete and steel. He added that a load test was conducted on one of the spans, with results showing structural performance exceeding the approved design values.
He also noted that the project faced complex technical and geographical challenges, including the bridge’s height of approximately 80 meters, as well as limited technical equipment, alongside harsh weather conditions and high temperatures during implementation.
The project is being implemented in coordination with the Ministry of Public Works and Housing by the Syrian Civil Defense, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and funded by the Syria Humanitarian Fund (SHF).
M.Q.R
