Rising Hamrin Dam waters keep Zerka Bridge closed in Saladin

SALAHADDIN, Iraq — Saladin's local government said the Zerka Bridge on the road linking Tuz Khurmatu to Tikrit remains closed after water levels rose in the Hamrin Dam basin. A technical commission carried out a field inspection to assess the bridge's condition and identify obstacles to reopening it. According to the commission's findings, the filling of the dam basin has submerged both the damaged bridge and the adjacent dirt road, making it impossible to restore traffic through the area or carry out backfilling work. The local administration said the rising water has ruled out any temporary crossing at the existing site. The government said vehicles will be redirected to the Azim Dam road and the Tikrit–Kirkuk road until a new bridge project is completed. It did not provide a timeline for construction or for the resumption of traffic across the Zerka crossing.