Rabat - The busy access road leading from Ceuta, Spain, to the border with Morocco is receiving a €3.5 million (37.7 million dirhams) makeover to improve safety and traffic flow.

Funded by the European Union’s Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan, the project aims to address congestion and create a more user-friendly experience for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.

Spanish news agency EFE reported that the Government Delegation identified “areas for improvement” on the route, citing high traffic volume – averaging 13,200 vehicles daily.

This number surges significantly during the summer months due to Operation Marhaba, a large-scale border crossing operation between Spain and Morocco.

To address these concerns, the project will transform the existing road into a three-lane configuration, with two lanes dedicated towards the border and one lane leading away.

Each lane will be a generous 3 meters wide, providing ample space for vehicles of all sizes. The improvements extend beyond just car traffic, with a focus on promoting alternative modes of transportation.

The project includes the construction of wide sidewalks (1.5 to 2 meters) on both sides of the road, catering to pedestrians and cyclists.

The project goes beyond simply adding lanes. The entire road will be resurfaced, and improvements will be made to the overall cross-section for better traffic flow. Additionally, new urban furniture will be installed, along with ramps and access steps to ensure accessibility for all users.

This EU-funded initiative is a welcomed step towards enhancing safety and accessibility on a crucial border route. The improved road infrastructure is expected to benefit not only residents of Ceuta and Morocco but also the flow of goods and tourism between the two countries.