Iraq Advances Development Road Project with Final Soil Studies

The Iraqi Ministry of Transport has announced steady progress in the ongoing soil investigations for the final design phase of the Development Road project, a landmark infrastructure initiative that aims to connect Iraq with Turkey and Europe through an integrated network of highways and railways.

According to a statement released by the ministry on Saturday, the soil investigation works for the detailed design stage (Phase 2) have now reached the Baiji area, known as Point 106, where a bridge is planned to be constructed.

The ministry confirmed that it is analysing soil samples in laboratories to assess their characteristics and composition, which will serve as the foundation for the project’s final design work. The investigations are expected to be fully completed by the end of August 2026.

The Ministry of Transport added that the detailed studies have been progressing from the north of the country towards the south, with upcoming work planned along the Tikrit–Samarra–Dujail–Baghdad route. This stage follows the successful completion of the first phase of soil analysis in 2023.

A recent meeting brought together the Chairman of the National Investment Commission, Haider Makiya, the Prime Minister’s Adviser for Transport Affairs, Nasser Al-Asadi, and representatives from Oliver Wyman — the international consultancy firm providing advisory services for the project. The discussion covered governance frameworks and investment mechanisms, with all parties agreeing to enhance data sharing to accelerate the next stages of Iraq’s strategic Development Road project.

Source: Iraqi Ministry of Transport