Algiers, December 10th (Xinhua) — The PK330 Bridge, the longest heavy-duty railway bridge in Africa constructed by China Railway Construction Corporation, has successfully completed track laying in Algeria, marking a milestone in the construction of the railway mining line in western Algeria.
It is reported that the PK330 Bridge is located in the Tindouf Province of Algeria, in the Sahara Desert, with a total length of 6 kilometers. The bridge was successfully completed on the evening of the 8th, making it the longest span, most difficult to construct, and most tight schedule bridge on the mining railway line in western Algeria.
The local natural environment is harsh, and the project construction faces challenges such as extreme high temperatures, frequent sandstorms, and shortage of fresh water. The geological conditions at the bridge site are mainly composed of loose sand and gravel interlayers, which pose severe challenges to mechanical operation, concrete pouring, and continuous operations. Local media reports say that the completion of the PK330 Bridge is an “engineering feat” and one of the largest railway construction projects in North Africa to date.
At present, the Western Algeria Railway Mining Line project has created over 7000 job opportunities and trained more than 1000 technical workers for the local area.
The Western Algeria Railway Mining Line Project is jointly implemented by China Railway Construction and state-owned enterprises in Algeria. The main content of the project is to build a new 575 kilometer railway, connecting the Besar Province and the Galajebilet iron mine area in the Tindouf Province of the country. After the completion of the project, it will further improve the Algerian national railway network and help promote connectivity and economic development in the southwestern provinces of Algeria.