Baghdad launches major road expansion projects to ease city’s infamous congestion

BAGHDAD — The expansion and rehabilitation project for the Mohammed Al-Qasim Expressway and the Army Canal Road is being hailed as a “giant” initiative by the Baghdad Municipality. If successfully completed, the project will significantly enhance traffic flow, including dedicated lanes for public transportation, allowing uninterrupted movement except at designated stops.

In an interview with 964media, Mohammed Al-Rubaie, Director of Public Relations and Media at the Baghdad Municipality, elaborated on the project’s scope. He revealed that the Mohammed Al-Qasim Expressway will expand to a total of 12 lanes—up from the current 8—spanning 22 kilometers. Meanwhile, comprehensive repairs will begin on the Army Canal Road.

The Mohammed Al-Qasim Expressway project will expand the roadway from 8 lanes (4 in each direction) to 12, with one of the two additional lanes in each direction dedicated exclusively to public transport. This designated lane for buses will enable seamless travel across the 22-kilometer stretch, promoting efficient and uninterrupted transit. The expansion will be executed in four stages, each covering approximately 5 kilometers and expected to take between 6 to 8 months to complete. Construction is slated to begin in early 2025, pending final approval from the Ministry of Planning.

The Army Canal Road project, overseen by the Ministry of Construction and Housing, will focus on resolving long-standing issues such as cracks, potholes, and sinkholes caused by rainwater and groundwater accumulation. The project will involve comprehensive repairs and rehabilitation to improve the road’s structural integrity, easing traffic congestion caused by these deteriorations.

The projects will be financed through two main sources. The Mohammed Al-Qasim Expressway will receive funding from Baghdad Municipality’s investment budget, approved by the Ministries of Planning and Finance. The Army Canal Road project will be directly financed by the Ministry of Construction and Housing.

“These projects aim to rejuvenate aging road infrastructure and expand its capacity. Specialized companies will handle the construction and repairs, ensuring efficiency and quality,” Al-Rubaie emphasized.

Baghdad’s traffic congestion has become a significant challenge for its residents, with many enduring daily commutes of up to two hours. The city’s infrastructure, originally designed to accommodate approximately 700,000 vehicles, is now overwhelmed by an estimated 2.5 to 3 million cars. This surge in vehicle numbers has led to severe gridlock, with commuters often spending hours traveling short distances. Contributing factors include rapid population growth, inadequate public transportation, and outdated traffic management systems. Despite efforts such as constructing new bridges and expanding roadways, these measures have provided only minimal relief.