Significant Investment in Infrastructure Near Mohammed V Airport
The National Railway Office of Morocco has officially launched an open call for tenders aimed at studying and executing civil engineering works for infrastructure crossing provincial road 3038, as well as water facilities along the Bouskoura River. This ambitious project is part of the broader expansion and development of the Casablanca hub, involving the construction of two railway bridges over provincial road 3038. The first bridge is designated for the high-speed train line, while the second will accommodate the conventional railway, which will be relocated following the demolition of the existing bridge.
This extensive project will include the construction of seven water facilities along the platform of the conventional railway, including a crossing structure over the Bouskoura River. Additionally, significant road construction will be undertaken to widen provincial road 3038, a critical access route to Mohammed V International Airport, and to create a roundabout and various access routes.
The estimated cost for these works is set at 180 million Moroccan dirhams, excluding taxes. To ensure the seriousness of the bids, competing companies must provide a provisional guarantee of 2.7 million dirhams. The project imposes a strict and intensive timeline, with a total duration for all works limited to just seven months, which includes one month allocated for preparatory activities before the actual on-site work begins.
Complex Challenges and Strict Requirements
Given the complex and sensitive nature of the project's location, the specifications impose stringent technical and financial requirements on the bidding companies. Notably, companies must demonstrate an average turnover of no less than 400 million dirhams over the past three years, along with proof of substantial experience in executing similar bridge construction projects in high-traffic environments.
The primary challenges of this undertaking include the necessity to carry out works without causing any complete disruption of traffic on the road leading to the airport, as well as avoiding any interruptions to train services on the electrified conventional lines. This requires meticulous coordination and continuous work around the clock throughout the week.
In this context, the National Railway Office mandates that the winning contractor adhere to rigorous standards concerning quality assurance, safety, and environmental protection, imposing substantial financial penalties for any delays or unjustified disruptions to train operations, or for damaging sensitive infrastructures such as fiber optic networks. This project stands as a true test of the capabilities of leading construction and civil engineering firms.
The Casablanca hub project, located in the Nouaceur region, includes the construction of a major railway structure—a bridge dedicated to the high-speed train line connecting Kenitra and Marrakech. This new bridge will be built over provincial road 3038, which serves as the primary access route to Mohammed V Airport, stretching approximately 68 meters across four spans.
The bridge's structure, designed with a deck featuring encased girders supporting two railway tracks, rests on two supports and three central columns, anchored by deep foundations comprising driven piles. The construction of this new facility has been planned in a separate location to ensure the continuity of the high-speed line, while strictly maintaining smooth and open traffic towards the airport throughout the construction period, alongside expansion works that include the widening of the aforementioned provincial road and the establishment of a roundabout and access pathways.
Competing companies are required to demonstrate an average annual turnover of at least 400 million dirhams over the reference years (2023, 2024, 2025) and must provide evidence of specific experience in executing bridges in areas characterized by heavy traffic, presenting certificates for projects exceeding 150 million dirhams each to achieve full marks in this criterion.
As reported by hespress.com.
