HOMS(RAHNUMA): Final restoration work on the strategically vital Al-Rastan Bridge in Syria’s Homs governorate is nearing completion ahead of its scheduled reopening early next month, Syrian officials announced on Saturday.
Syrian Arab Republic Transport Minister Yarub Badr and Homs Gov. Murhaf Al-Naasan inspected the final stages of the rehabilitation and restoration project.
Muaz Najjar, director general of the General Establishment for Road Transport, said that reopening the bridge will significantly facilitate traffic movement, reduce travel time, and limit accidents, highlighting its strategic importance as a key economic artery linking several Syrian provinces.
Najjar pointed to the efforts made to complete the project despite technical and logistical challenges, noting that the process posed a real test for national engineering teams, while the work progressed at an accelerated pace.
Safwan Ibrahim Bakaya, technical director of the project, confirmed that all major works have been completed, adding that the bridge is now ready for traffic, with only some finishing touches to be completed.
Bakaya stressed that the quality of the restoration 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 — approximately 80 meters, limited technical equipment, and 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 Program, and is financed by the Syria Humanitarian Fund.
