On May 21 local time, the first pile drilling was completed on the PRO0137 highway bridge of Morocco’s High-Speed Rail Section 10 project, undertaken by China Overseas Engineering Group Southwest Europe Branch, marking the official start of the bridge’s main construction.
The Kenitra-Marrakech high-speed rail line spans 450 kilometers. It is not only a vital component of Morocco’s north-south corridor but also a key transportation project supporting the country’s hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The project is of great significance for enhancing Morocco’s transportation infrastructure and improving connectivity between major cities.
The entire project is divided into 10 sections, covering 365 kilometers of new railway and a cluster of bridge and tunnel works. Section 10, implemented by China Overseas Engineering Group Southwest Europe Branch, spans 61 kilometers and includes earthworks, structural construction, and modernization of the existing Casablanca line. The main construction site is located in densely populated areas of Casablanca, with some works taking place above or near existing operational railways, posing high technical complexity and safety risks.
The PRO0137 bridge, where the first pile drilling took place, features a steel-encased beam structure. The bridge is 25 meters long and 15.4 meters wide, with a pile foundation and cap beam design. A total of 18 piles, each 1 meter in diameter and 12 meters in length, support the entire structure.