Official Launch of the Expansion Project for Regional Road 212 in Marrakech
On November 4, 2026, the official commencement of the expansion and dualization works of Regional Road 212, linking the Mhamid 9 area to Wad al-Bahja in Marrakech, was announced. This significant initiative aims to enhance the region's road infrastructure, reduce traffic congestion, and improve road safety conditions. The project is a direct response to the urban expansion and demographic and economic growth that the area is experiencing, which has led to an increase in traffic volume. Thus, the necessity to develop and modernize roadways to accommodate these changes has become imperative, facilitating smoother transportation for citizens and road users.
According to Rashid Niam, the Director of the Regional Agency for Project Execution in Marrakech-Safi, the project spans approximately 2.3 kilometers, with a total budget of around 23.5 million dirhams. This funding is entirely provided by the Marrakech-Safi Regional Council, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure and improve the quality of road services in the region.
The technical specifications of the project include several interventions aimed at raising the standards of this roadway. The expansion will see the road width increase from 9 meters in some sections to 14 meters. Additionally, the works will include the creation of dedicated lanes for bicycles and motorcycles, measuring 1.5 meters in width on each side, alongside pedestrian sidewalks that will be 2 meters wide on both sides. The project also encompasses the renewal of public lighting and the resurfacing of the road using hot asphalt, which is expected to improve driving quality and provide safer and more comfortable travel conditions.
Regarding the timeline for completion, the project is scheduled to be executed within 12 months, as stipulated in the terms of reference. However, progress estimates suggest that this duration could potentially be reduced to between 7 and 8 months, depending on overcoming certain technical challenges related to relocating water, electricity, and communication networks.
Community Response and Anticipated Benefits
A variety of citizens and road users, including professional drivers, have expressed their satisfaction with the initiation of this project, viewing it as a long-awaited response to the recurring traffic congestions experienced along this route, particularly during peak hours, leading to delays in travel to and from the Agafay tourist area. Several respondents highlighted that the narrowness of the road and the absence of dedicated lanes for various types of vehicles, coupled with high traffic density, have exacerbated the risks of road accidents. They affirm that the dualization and expansion of the road, along with the installation of public lighting, sidewalks, and bike lanes, will contribute significantly to improving traffic flow, reducing accident risks, and protecting road users’ lives, while also shortening travel times and facilitating access to the region.
This project is anticipated to be a qualitative addition to the road infrastructure in the region and is expected to support the ongoing urban and tourism expansion by providing a more accommodating roadway that meets the demands of traffic and road safety.
As reported by ar.le360.ma.
