Diyala Authorities Close Himrin Bridge Over Soil Erosion Concerns

Authorities in Diyala have closed the Himrin Bridge to traffic as a precautionary measure following soil erosion in the surrounding areas. The closure aims to ensure public safety while officials assess the impact of rising water levels in Himrin Lake on the bridge's structural perimeter. Ministry of Construction and Housing spokesperson Nabil al-Saffaf confirmed that the bridge’s main structure and concrete piers remain entirely intact. He clarified that the instability is localized to the soil embankments rather than the bridge itself. The erosion was triggered by increased water levels in Himrin Lake, which compromised the integrity of the surrounding terrain. Officials noted that the bridge project is currently 89% complete, and the previous opening of the crossing was only temporary. The Diyala Directorate of Roads and Bridges formally requested the closure through official correspondence with the provincial governorate, the Operations Command, and the Police Command. The measure remains in effect to mitigate risks to commuters while the site undergoes further evaluation.