In guarding the Strait of Gibraltar and connecting the Atlantic and Mediterranean, northern Morocco is undergoing a profound infrastructure transformation. To alleviate the increasingly heavy traffic pressure and prepare for international events such as the upcoming 2030 World Cup, the Moroccan government has officially planned to build a new highway connecting the two important cities of Tangier and Tetouan in the northern economic engine region. This is not only the laying of 60 kilometers of asphalt pavement, but also a key milestone in the spatial layout of Morocco's national strategy, marking a new stage of implementation for this North African country's ambitious push for domestic connectivity, regional development, and international integration.

From struggling to smooth arteries

The planned Tangier Tetouan Expressway directly responds to the severe practical challenges in the region. As the most important industrial center and northern port of Morocco, Tangier has experienced rapid economic and population growth in recent years, which has resulted in the existing N2 national highway and other connecting sections being overwhelmed in terms of traffic capacity. Traffic bottlenecks not only constrain logistics efficiency, but also become obstacles to further regional economic development. This new artery, which is expected to cost approximately $650 million and has a total length of 60 kilometers, will greatly alleviate the congestion of the existing road network and directly improve the connectivity efficiency between Morocco's most important gateway and the inland.

More importantly, the project does not exist in isolation, but is embedded within Morocco's vast national transportation blueprint. According to the latest plan released by Morocco's equipment, transportation, and logistics departments, the country plans to invest a total of approximately 6.7 billion US dollars in the highway sector over the next 20 years. This long-term blueprint covers all major regions of the country and aims to systematically upgrade the country's land transportation infrastructure. In this context, the National Highway Corporation has recently reached an investment plan for 2025-2032, committing to invest 12.5 billion dirhams specifically to strengthen the highway network. The Tangier Tetouan Expressway is one of the concrete manifestations and pioneering projects of this ambitious investment plan in the northern region.

International collaboration and event driven

The acceleration of infrastructure construction in Morocco is driven by two powerful engines: deepening international cooperation and the preparation of large-scale international events.

In terms of international cooperation, Morocco is actively introducing advanced experience and management models. In November 2025, ADM signed a framework cooperation agreement with French highway operator Wanxi, marking an upgrade to their long-term cooperation. The new agreement not only focuses on improving the safety, service quality, and sustainability of Morocco's road network, but also covers areas such as operation and maintenance management, personnel training, and even artificial intelligence traffic monitoring. It also clarifies the joint exploration of cooperation in the African market. This model based on Morocco aims to transform Morocco's geographical advantages and practical experience in connecting Europe and Africa into new driving forces for cooperation with Africa. At the same time, infrastructure companies from China and other countries have also deeply participated in the Moroccan market. For example, Shandong Expressway Group successfully won the bid for the key section of the Rabat Casablanca Continental Expressway, demonstrating the confidence of international capital and technology in the prospects of Moroccan infrastructure.

On the other hand, the approach of the 2025 African Cup of Nations and the more anticipated 2030 World Cup has accelerated Morocco's infrastructure construction. According to research institutions' predictions, the total investment for preparing for these two major events may reach up to 17 billion US dollars, with the smooth and strengthened transportation network being one of the core tasks. Morocco plans to significantly increase the total length of highways from the current 1800 kilometers to 3000 kilometers by 2027. As an important international transportation hub and potential venue for sports events, the improvement of Tangier's connectivity directly affects the effectiveness of the country's overall preparation work and the display of its international image.

A three-dimensional vision beyond highways

Morocco's vision for transportation development is not limited to highways. Parallel to investment in highways, a comprehensive transportation revolution covering railways and urban public transportation is unfolding nationwide, weaving together an efficient and modern three-dimensional transportation network.

In terms of railways, Morocco has launched a major national railway construction project with a total investment of about 2 billion US dollars. The core content includes the construction of large-scale integrated transportation hubs in Casablanca and other places, as well as the construction of a 92 kilometer urban suburban railway line to achieve high-frequency and high-capacity public transportation operations. At the same time, the construction of stations along the high-speed railway connecting Guenitra to Marrakesh has also been put on the agenda, aiming to serve the future high-speed railway network.

Within the city, the Moroccan government has launched a 2025-2029 urban public transportation reform plan with a total investment of over 1.1 billion US dollars. The plan abandons the previous scattered vehicle update mode and adopts a comprehensive solution covering infrastructure, digital systems, and social governance. It plans to purchase thousands of new buses and comprehensively upgrade the tram and rapid transit systems in key cities such as Casablanca, Rabat, and Tangier.

Against this grand backdrop, the Tangier Tetouan Expressway project has a clear timetable: technical research and environmental assessment work will begin in 2026, and substantive construction is expected to commence in 2027. Although the final financing plan for the project is still being determined, its status as a national priority project is beyond doubt. Keywords: traffic news, international news and information

From alleviating congestion at Tangier Port to aligning global attention with the 2030 World Cup; From upgrading a regional corridor to integrating into the national 20-year transportation development strategy, the Tangier Tetouan Expressway is like a delicate microcosm, reflecting Morocco's clear path of prioritizing infrastructure, driving economic upgrading, promoting social integration, and enhancing international status. When the road roller roars on the northern land in 2027, it not only crushes the roadbed, but also represents a country's firm commitment to a smooth future. At the end of this road, it connects to a more integrated, modern, and vibrant Morocco.Editor/Cheng Liting