Maintenance work commenced Sunday on the joints of the White Bridge, a key artery connecting Oued Ouchayeh and Baraki, according to officials. The repairs are scheduled to last for one full month, significantly impacting local commuters. This maintenance project, which began on Sunday, August 16, is expected to impact local traffic patterns for its entire duration. The work specifically targets the deterioration of the bridge joints, a critical structural component.
Phased Work Schedule
The full maintenance work on the White Bridge will be executed in two distinct phases to manage the disruption effectively. The first phase of the project will concentrate on the traffic direction from Baraki towards Algiers center. This initial stage is scheduled to last for 15 days, during which time specific lanes will be affected. Following the completion of the first phase, the maintenance efforts will shift to the opposite direction. Phase two will address the lanes traveling from Algiers to Baraki, and this segment of the work is also planned for a duration of 15 days. This structured approach aims to manage traffic flow while repairs are underway, ensuring that the necessary repairs are completed within the projected timeframe.
Traffic Diversions and Warnings
The ongoing maintenance work on the White Bridge necessitates partially narrowing the road, leaving only one lane open for traffic in each direction. This configuration requires drivers to navigate two lanes instead of the usual three, significantly reducing capacity. These measures will be in effect 24 hours a day during the work days, requiring constant vigilance from drivers. The "Tareeqi" (My Road) traffic media page issued a warning regarding the deterioration of the bridge joints on the North-South A1 highway, which connects Algiers and Blida, noting the urgency of the repairs.
"Tareeqi" further confirmed that the National Gendarmerie services had officially notified the relevant authorities to implement necessary measures concerning the bridge's condition. This notification showed the seriousness of the structural issues identified. In response, members of the El Bounod National Gendarmerie unit were dispatched to the site, specifically to the area of the sand, to alert road users and advise them to exercise caution while traversing the affected stretch. Their presence is intended to guide traffic and ensure driver safety during the maintenance period.
Recommendations for Drivers
The implemented traffic measures will remain in effect 24 hours a day throughout the work days, showing the continuous nature of the disruption. Members of the National Gendarmerie's road security unit in Bir Mourad Rais have instructed drivers to reduce their speed and maintain a safe distance between vehicles. This directive aims to mitigate risks associated with the narrowed lanes and ongoing maintenance, preventing potential accidents. Drivers are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and consider alternative routes if possible to avoid delays.
In Timimoun (بتيميمون), the same services issued an alert emphasizing the need for vigilance when driving on National Road No. 118 (الطريق الوطني رقم 118). This road connects the municipality of El Bounod (بلدية البنود) to the area known as Qarn Al-Qas'a (قرن القصعة). The warning specifically cited the presence of sand on the road as a hazard requiring increased driver caution. Members of the El Bounod National Gendarmerie unit went to the location of the sand to alert road users to take precautions, noting the varied challenges faced by road users across different regions.