2007 press releases

United States Begins Work Rebuilding Mudairej Bridge

March 7, 2007 

Photos by Ghassan Diab, Michael Baker Jr, Inc.

The U.S. Government, through the United States Agency for International Development – USAID, in conjunction with the Government of Lebanon, has started the process of rebuilding the Mudairej Bridge in the Sofar-Mudairej area. Contrack International, an American company, was awarded the $30 million reconstruction contract. Contrack International will work with three Lebanese firms, employing 150 Lebanese workers in the design and construction phases of the project.

The Contrack International team has arrived in Lebanon and set up offices near the bridge site. Design work has begun and expedient repairs to the northern deck of the bridge will be undertaken in mid-March. The first phase of the project will include the erection of a temporary bridge until full reconstruction is completed. “This immense reconstruction project fills not only a transportation gap vital to Lebanon’s long-term growth,” said USAID Mission Director in Beirut Raouf Youssef, “but also promotes immediate economic opportunities in the country in the form of many jobs.”

At over 68 meters high and almost 480 meters long, the two-span Mudeirej Bridge is the largest bridge in Lebanon and among the tallest in the Middle East region. The reconstruction effort will restore one of Lebanon’s most important commercial links between Beirut and Chtoura, toward Lebanon’s eastern border, and will stimulate trade and economic growth essential for Lebanon’s financial recovery.

This project is being funded as part of the more than $230 million for humanitarian, reconstruction and security assistance to Lebanon announced by President Bush on August 21, 2006. In support of the aspirations of the Lebanese people for continued peace, stability, and prosperity, President Bush requested an additional $770 million for a proposed comprehensive economic and security assistance package for Lebanon valued at more than $1 billion.

For more information and photos on the U.S. Government's assistance to Lebanon and the region, please visit USAID's website at: http://www.usaid.gov/locations/asia_near_east/middle_east.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has worked in Lebanon since 1951, funding development projects to benefit Lebanese citizens. USAID’s program promotes economic opportunities, job creation, good governance and environmental policies and practices in rural Lebanon. USAID provides $40 million assistance a year and works in partnership with U.S. and Lebanese organizations throughout the country. USAID strengthens the relationship between the people of Lebanon and the people of the United States, and promotes a shared vision of democracy and socio-economic development.