Iraq’s Largest Bridge Closed to Traffic Over Technical Safety Risks

Traffic on the Hamrin Bridge in Diyala province has been halted after structural problems were identified, as authorities moved to protect public safety on one of the most strategic links between the Kurdistan Region and Diyala. Diyala MP Mudar al-Karwi said the reinforced-concrete bridge, described as Iraq’s largest, was closed to traffic based on technical reports. The closure followed the detection of soil erosion at one of the bridge’s main supports and other structural defects that raised the risk of a serious accident. The bridge spans Lake Hamrin and is currently only 70 to 80 percent complete. The crossing serves about 400,000 people and plays a vital role in connecting towns, cities and villages in the area to Baquba and other provinces. It had been opened temporarily in April after rising lake levels and damage to earth roads disrupted movement. Specialist field inspections later identified safety risks, prompting the decision to divert traffic to the Imam Wais road as a precaution. No date has yet been set for reopening the bridge. The contractor is expected to repair the technical faults before the bridge can return to service. Meetings due in the coming days will address the project’s completion schedule and the company’s unpaid dues.