Morocco’s $1.3bn highway overhaul for 2030 World Cup

Morocco plans to invest MAD12.5 billion ($1.3 billion) to develop its highway infrastructure for the 2030 Fifa World Cup.

The investments, spanning from 2025 to 2032, will focus on three major projects: the Continental Rabat-Casablanca Highway, Tit Mellil-Berrechid Highway, and Ain Harrouda and Sidi Maarouf junctions, Morocco News World reported citing a statement from the National Highway Company of Morocco (ADM).

These projects intend to improve access to the Grand Stadium in Casablanca for the World Cup, which Morocco will jointly host with Spain and Portugal, the report said.

The upgrades will ease traffic flow on the Rabat-Casablanca corridor and improve connectivity across the Casablanca region.

The 60km Continental Rabat-Casablanca Highway has an estimated budget of MAD6.5 billion.

The 30km Tit Mellil-Berrechid Highway will link the eastern suburbs of Casablanca with the southern transportation corridor. The upgrades are expected to reduce travel times by up to 40 percent, benefitting commuters and football fans.

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The Ain Harrouda and Sidi Maarouf junctions will be redesigned to introduce multi-level interchanges, smart traffic management systems and dedicated public transport lanes.

The government aims to generate MAD16 billion to fund the projects and reduce reliance on state funding.

ADM is finalising construction contracts to complete these projects, the report said.