Djellaoui Orders Black Spot Assessments Across Algeria’s Road Network, Reviews Strategic Rail and Port Projects

By Dr. Hana Saada

Public Works Minister Abdelkader Djellaoui ordered comprehensive technical assessments of the remaining accident-prone road sections across Algeria while reviewing progress on strategic railway and port infrastructure projects, reaffirming the government’s commitment to transport safety, network resilience and national logistics development.

ALGIERS — Algeria’s Minister of Public Works and Basic Infrastructure, Abdelkader Djellaoui, has instructed authorities to launch technical assessment studies covering all remaining road sections classified as accident-prone “black spots” across the national road and motorway network, as part of a broader strategy to improve road safety and strengthen transport infrastructure.

The directive was issued during a coordination meeting held on Tuesday to review the maintenance and rehabilitation of Algeria’s national road network, according to a statement released by the ministry.

The meeting opened with a comprehensive presentation on the condition of the country’s road and motorway infrastructure, including the status of sections identified as black spots, the progress of ongoing maintenance operations, and the implementation of technical assessment studies already launched on critical road segments and engineering structures. Public Works directors, specialised laboratories and engineering consultancy offices also presented technical reports outlining the findings of completed assessments and the measures undertaken to address deteriorated infrastructure.

Following the presentations, Djellaoui instructed officials to complete all ongoing technical assessment studies as quickly as possible while immediately initiating expert evaluations of the remaining accident-prone sections throughout Algeria’s road and motorway network. The objective is to identify the causes of structural deterioration and determine the most appropriate engineering solutions for their rehabilitation.

The minister further ordered the continued treatment of identified black spots through regular monitoring of bridges and other engineering structures, while ensuring their operational integrity and long-term sustainability.

Djellaoui also called for strengthened road safety measures through the reinforcement of both horizontal and vertical road signage across the national transport network, together with the installation of adequate warning and safety signs at all construction sites, particularly those operating during nighttime hours, in order to protect both road users and maintenance personnel.

He instructed authorities to accelerate the completion of ongoing maintenance works while reinforcing preventive maintenance operations through regional public works departments, maintenance centres and the Algerian Motorways Company, ensuring rapid intervention whenever necessary to preserve the reliability of Algeria’s road infrastructure.

The minister stressed the need for continuous coordination between the ministry’s central administration, regional public works directorates, specialised laboratories, engineering consultancy offices and implementing companies. He also ordered the mobilisation of all available human and material resources to complete technical studies promptly and immediately address road sections and engineering structures requiring urgent intervention.

Djellaoui further directed the sector to begin preparations for the autumn and winter seasons through the implementation of a preventive maintenance programme covering roads and motorways nationwide. The programme includes regular field inspections of engineering structures and the adoption of preventive measures aimed at ensuring their long-term durability and uninterrupted operation.

Concluding the meeting, the minister reaffirmed that preserving Algeria’s road and motorway network remains one of the ministry’s highest priorities, describing transport infrastructure as a fundamental pillar of road safety and national development. He called for continuous field monitoring, faster intervention rates and strict implementation of ministerial directives to improve service quality and ensure the sustainability of the country’s transport infrastructure.

On the occasion of the National Day of the People’s National Army, commemorated annually on August 4, Djellaoui also paid tribute to the People’s National Army for its role in safeguarding Algeria’s sovereignty, security and stability while supporting national development efforts. He encouraged all executives and institutions under the Ministry of Public Works and Basic Infrastructure to participate in the national commemoration in recognition of the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces.

Separately, Djellaoui chaired another coordination meeting dedicated to monitoring the implementation of several major transport infrastructure projects.

The session reviewed progress on the Eastern Mining Railway linking Annaba and Tébessa, alongside the expansion of Annaba Phosphate Port, including the construction of a dedicated mining terminal as part of Algeria’s integrated phosphate development project.

Officials also assessed preparations for launching construction of the Laghouat–Ghardaïa–El Menia railway line, while reviewing progress on feasibility studies for the proposed Ouargla–Tamanrasset railway, a strategic project intended to strengthen transport connectivity across southern Algeria.

The meeting was attended by the ministry’s Secretary-General, the Director-General of the National Agency for Port Infrastructure Construction, and a representative of the National Agency for Studies and Monitoring of Railway Investments (ANESRIF), reflecting the government’s continued focus on accelerating strategic transport infrastructure projects that support economic diversification and regional integration.