Posted on 04/11/2009 3:26:17 PM PDT by SandRat
SCANIA — In adherence to the security agreement between the United States and Iraq, a recent ground-breaking ceremony here began the process of returning the southbound lanes of Baghdad Highway 1 to the people of Iraq.
The southbound lanes, which have been closed since late 2003, will soon be fully accessible to the Iraqi people again.
“This news will bring happiness to the local nationals and all the Babil Region,” said Majid Saleem Kareem, director general of roads and bridges for Babil Province. “An agreement was made, and Coalition forces are making sure that it is met.”
Nearly 20 Iraqi government officials and high ranking Iraqi Security Force members attended the ceremony to see the first barrier removed from the highway.
Coalition forces, in coordination with the Government of Iraq, are completing the construction on the lanes. As part of the construction process, Iraqi contractors will also improve the bypass road.
“Any closure of the lanes will be in coordination with the Government of Iraq and in adherence to the security agreement,” said Lt. Col. Christopher D. Lestochi, 54th Engineer Battalion Commander. Iraqi security checkpoints are also being placed along the highway to ensure safe travel.
Completion of the construction and removal of all barriers on the highway is set for late-May with the opening ceremony scheduled for early June.
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