Operational Coalition Initiates Project to Rehabilitate and Asphalt Over 11 km of Vital Roads in Afrin

04 August 2023

The project includes the rehabilitation and asphalting of the third bridge road in the city of Afrin, with a length of 1,650 meters, and the Afrin-Kafrajneh road, with a length of 9,500 meters.

The Operational Coalition (Syrian Forum, The White Helmets, and the Syrian American Medical Society) has initiated a significant project aimed at the rehabilitation and asphalting of two critical roads in the Afrin region, located north of Aleppo. These roads have a combined length exceeding 11 kilometers and serve as crucial transportation arteries for thousands of civilians daily, connecting the countryside of Idlib, the city of Jenderes, and the city of Afrin to the city of Azaz and other Northern and Eastern rural areas of Aleppo.

This project stands as one among many initiatives undertaken by the Operational Coalition to revitalize regions devastated by the ongoing 12-year-long war compounded by the recent devastating earthquake. Its primary aim is to aid in the restoration of critical infrastructure, offering essential services to civilians in areas such as health, education, roads, public utilities, and basic living amenities. This endeavor marks a significant milestone in early recovery efforts, further bolstering community resilience and support for the affected populations.

The Project's Objective:

The primary goal of this project is to undertake the rehabilitation and asphalting of two crucial roads in the Afrin region. The first road, known as the third bridge road, spans 1650 meters and work on it commenced on Wednesday, August 2. The second road, the Afrin-Kafrjaneh road, stretches for 9500 meters and is set to undergo rehabilitation in the coming days. These roads hold immense importance as they serve as vital connectors in the Afrin area.

The third bridge road, initially a dirt road, acts as a crucial link between Al-Ghazawiya Road (from the western countryside of Aleppo) and the northern countryside of Idlib, including the Jenderes Road. Due to traffic pressure and previous campaigns, both roads have suffered significant damage over the years. Potholes and collapses have formed, particularly on the third bridge road, resulting in numerous traffic accidents, delays for civilians, vehicle breakdowns, and increased economic burdens.

On the other hand, the Afrin-Kafrjaneh road is a lifeline that connects the city of Afrin to the city of Azaz and the entire northern and eastern countryside of Aleppo, encompassing the cities of Marea, Jarabulus, and Al-Bab. Thousands of residents heavily rely on this road for their daily travels.

Given the deteriorating conditions and the adverse impact on civilians, camps, and nearby communities, the rehabilitation of these roads has become an urgent necessity. By restoring these vital transportation routes, the project aims to improve the lives of the people, enhance economic activities, and ensure safer and smoother travel experiences for all those who depend on these roadways.

Stages of Work

First: The Third Bridge Road in the City of Afrin (1650 meters long)

Preparation of aggregate base layer - Spraying MC0 layer on the entire gravel base layer.
Execution of the asphalt surface layer - 8 meters wide, 12 cm thick, two layers, each layer 6 cm long, spanning 1650 meters.
Installation of road signs and traffic signals.
Implementation of speed bumps according to international standards and suitable for vehicle traffic.
Automated route marking using thermal paint with glass powder.
Installation of protective barriers on both sides of the road.
Placement of lighting poles along the road.

Second: Afrin-Kafrajneh Road (9500 meters long)

Removal of old asphalt layer (scraping the top layer of asphalt with a thickness of 1 cm to 3 cm and cleaning the surface).
Construction of a gravel base layer with a thickness ranging from zero to 5 cm, and 15 cm thick after the pavement, in specific locations such as squares, side road intersections, and damaged areas of the road.
Application of a layer of MC0 over the entire permeable gravel base.
Execution of the asphalt surface layer - 10 meters wide, 10 cm thick, two layers, each layer 5 cm long, covering 9500 meters.
Installation of road signs and traffic signals.
Installation of speed bumps according to international standards and suitable for vehicle traffic.
Automated route marking using thermal paint with glass powder.
Placement of roadside protection barriers.
Installation of lighting poles along the road.
Maintenance of all water drainage systems along the way.

Working Mechanism:

The project is being implemented by a contracting company that secured the implementation license through a tender process. The tender involved sealed envelopes and specific specifications for the project, which includes the utilization of heavy machinery as per the engineering plan. Throughout the entire project duration, the implementation is closely supervised by specialized engineers from the Operational Coalition teams

Impact and Benefits of the Project:

The successful implementation of the project is expected to yield several significant impacts and benefits:

Improved Accessibility: The construction of the two roads will greatly enhance the ease of movement, facilitating the transportation of people and goods between the Sarmada region, the Bab al-Hawa crossing, the western countryside of Aleppo, and the city of Jenderes towards the interior of the city of Afrin. Additionally, the Afrin-Kafrajneh road will improve access to the city of Azaz and the surrounding northern and eastern countryside of Aleppo. This integrated road network will foster better connectivity between the northern countryside of Idlib and the northern and eastern countryside of Aleppo.
Economic Development: The upgraded road infrastructure will act as a catalyst for economic activities, promoting trade and commerce. This, in turn, will enhance local businesses and livelihoods, contributing to the overall economic growth of the region.
Enhanced Safety: The newly established routes will provide safer transportation options, reducing accidents and improving emergency response times.
Improved Quality of Life: The project will alleviate the suffering of the local population by enhancing their access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and markets. People will have easier access to healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and markets for their daily needs, leading to an improved quality of life for the residents.
Better Educational Opportunities: With improved connectivity, students in the region will have enhanced access to universities and educational opportunities. This will empower them to pursue higher education and acquire knowledge and skills to contribute to their personal growth and the development of their communities.
Effective Institutional Partnerships: The project presents a crucial opportunity for institutions to form effective partnerships, leading to better results in service provision, infrastructure projects, and early recovery initiatives. Collaboration between organizations will strengthen the overall impact of the project and foster sustainable development.

Road rehabilitation plays a pivotal role in supporting community resilience and early recovery. Improving transportation networks, facilitating access to basic services, and promoting economic activities is vital to rebuilding life. To achieve meaningful and lasting results, it is necessary to adopt an approach that includes joint efforts between institutions operating in northwestern Syria by combining resources, experience, and community participation. These efforts contribute significantly to the path to recovery in Syria and lay the foundation for a more stable and sustainable future.

The Operational Coalition was established on March 25 in response to the devastating February 6 earthquake. It is comprised of three organizations: the Syrian Forum, the White Helmets, and the Syrian American Medical Society - SAMS.

The primary objective of this coalition is to collaborate on implementing restoration projects in the areas affected by the earthquake. Each institution within the coalition specializes in various sectors, and together they aim to revitalize the affected regions and restore normalcy to the lives of the affected civilians. Their collective efforts will focus on rehabilitating crucial facilities to ensure the provision of essential services, such as healthcare, education, and basic living necessities, to the affected population.

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