Ministry completes key Karak and Aqaba road projects worth millions
last updated: 1 h ago
Road rehabilitation, expansion, and new construction works are continuing across Jordan's governorates, targeting the external and international road network with the aim of improving inter-governorate connectivity, easing the flow of freight, and linking production zones, markets, border crossings, and ports.اضافة اعلان
The Ministry of Public Works and Housing says the projects go beyond road safety improvements. Officials argue they are intended to raise the efficiency of goods and services movement, strengthen supply chains and logistics, and provide a transport network better able to serve economic, tourism, agricultural, and industrial sectors.
In Karak Governorate, the network spans both primary and secondary roads, some completed and others still under construction or in the planning stage. External roads fall under the ministry's remit; internal roads are the responsibility of municipalities.
About two weeks ago, the ministry began maintenance works on a section of the King's Highway between Karak and Tafilah, as part of a comprehensive contract covering the maintenance and rehabilitation of several main roads in the Southern Region. The work includes milling and removing damaged asphalt layers, treating subsidence at affected sites, laying new polymer-modified asphalt layers, and installing road markings and ground reflectors, along with maintenance of concrete elements and structural joints.
The ministry said the project forms part of an integrated programme to maintain and rehabilitate the Southern Region's main roads, aimed at preserving infrastructure, addressing damaged sites, raising road efficiency, and improving the level of service for road users.
About a month ago, the ministry announced the completion of tendering for the Sarfa–Ghor road. That road, together with the Kathraba–Ghor road, provides access to the Southern Ghor area from Karak's side. It extends 18 kilometres at a total cost of 10.5 million dinars, following five years of work carried out in multiple phases.
Ministry spokesman Omar Al-Maharma said the project is part of the ministry's strategy to develop road infrastructure and improve traffic connectivity across the kingdom's governorates. He said the road connects Karak Governorate to the Dead Sea Road at the Ghor Al-Haditha area, with positive implications for development, the economy, transport, tourism, and agriculture in the region.
Tourism activist Ibrahim Al-Hamaideh said the road supports tourism and agriculture and will mark a significant turning point for the area. He noted that the Sarfa area and the northern parts of the governorate have long attracted visitors to mountainous terrain and ancient archaeological sites, and that the absence of a proper road had made travel difficult on largely unpaved tracks.
The Kathraba–Southern Ghor road is still under construction. Once completed, it is expected to link the Southern Ghor area with the rest of the governorate and connect Karak with Aqaba Governorate.
The Muhay–Desert Highway road, connecting Karak Governorate to the Desert Highway via the Southern Mazar district, was opened to traffic about two weeks ago. The road, which extends 15 kilometres, links the governorate to phosphate mines, the Desert Highway, and the southern governorates. It had long been in poor condition, with numerous potholes, uneven surfaces, and sharp bends. Rehabilitation was described as a top priority for residents of Southern Mazar and the southern Badia areas.
The rehabilitation and widening project cost approximately 5 million dinars, funded by a loan from the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, and took around eighteen months to complete.
Two months ago, Public Works and Housing Minister Maher Hamdi Abu Al-Samen inspected the final works on the road and said the ministry is committed to raising road standards across all of the kingdom's governorates, achieving development objectives, and improving services for citizens at the best possible standard of resource management.
The ministry is also rehabilitating the Wadi Ibn Hammad road, described as the only route serving the agricultural and tourism area of Wadi Ibn Hammad, which leads to hot springs and natural recreation areas.
Two days ago, Greater Karak Municipality began laying hot asphalt mix as part of a contract to rehabilitate and develop the old city of Karak, following completion of preparatory works on a number of targeted streets. The work covers the rehabilitation of internal streets and walkways, including milling and repaving.
Municipal committee chairman Mohammad Al-Manaseer said the paving works are part of the municipality's plan to improve Karak city and its urban landscape, preserve the city's character, and enhance its readiness to serve residents and visitors.
In Aqaba Governorate, the Aqaba Public Works Directorate is focusing on the maintenance and rehabilitation of several main and external roads, given the governorate's economic importance as a centre for transport, trade, tourism, industry, and ports.
Aqaba Public Works Director Mohammad Al-Qasasbeh said maintenance works cover several main routes, including the Desert Highway section between Humaima and Quweira, the Wadi Araba road, and the main road leading to the entrance of Aqaba city.
The directorate completed maintenance of the 25-kilometre Humaima–Quweira section in both directions at a cost of approximately 3 million dinars. Work included removing damaged asphalt layers, laying new asphalt, and installing road-safety measures. The project was completed about two months ahead of schedule.
The road is considered an important corridor for trucks and vehicles moving between Aqaba and other parts of the kingdom, particularly given its role in commercial freight and land transport.
On the Wadi Araba road, the Al-Ghrandal section saw works to address water pooling and its effects on the road surface. These included the installation of box culverts, pipe culverts, and water control structures, along with improvements to road shoulders and drainage. The road was reopened in both directions after 27 days of works, carried out in cooperation with the Public Security Directorate and the Arab Potash Company.
Maintenance works also covered the main road at the entrance to Aqaba under Phase Four, encompassing an area of approximately 11,000 square metres over about one kilometre, at a cost of around 90,000 dinars, with a 45-day implementation period, funded by the Aqaba Governorate Council.
In Irbid Governorate, road works span several main corridors, including the International Baghdad Road, the International Jaber Road, the Irbid Ring Road, the Irbid–Ajloun road, and the Petroleum Road, as well as works linking some areas to service facilities.
One notable project is a road connecting Princess Basma Hospital to Street 100, at a cost of approximately 4.5 million dinars, intended to improve access to the hospital and ease traffic in the surrounding area.
Irbid occupies a particular position in the road network by virtue of its geography, economic activity, and links to border crossings. Improving the network is expected to reduce journey times and transport costs, improve freight flow, and support supply chain and logistics development.
Resident Ahmad Barakat said road development in the governorate requires an integrated vision that treats the network as a single system rather than a series of isolated sections, so that improvements serve both residents and various economic sectors.
Resident Ahmad Jaradat stressed the need for coordination between the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, municipalities, and the transport sector when implementing road projects, noting that the success of any project depends not only on its construction but on how well it integrates with the broader road network and existing services.
Ministry spokesman Omar Al-Maharma said work is continuing on the Irbid Ring Road project, which includes the third section. He said the first part covers earthworks over approximately 4 kilometres, an overpass bridge of 58 metres on the Katam road, and a widening of approximately 500 metres of the Katam road.
Al-Maharma said the second part of the project is approximately 69 per cent complete and includes a 105-metre tunnel on the Shallalah road, along with 1.34 kilometres of earthworks. He said the project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
In Ajloun Governorate, the ring road and the King's Highway are the top infrastructure priorities for residents and business representatives, as both are seen as critical to improving traffic flow and supporting tourism and economic development.
Ajloun Chamber of Commerce President Arab Al-Samadi said the two roads must be prioritised, given their importance for transport and connectivity across the governorate and their impact on tourism and commercial activity. He said improved roads are a fundamental condition for expanding investment and services in a governorate that relies heavily on tourism and agriculture.
Former council member Mohammad Ananba called for the construction of the ring road and the King's Highway, noting that the King's Highway could cut the distance between Ajloun and the capital Amman by roughly half, with positive effects for residents, transport, and economic activity. He also called for improvements to the Ajloun–Irbid road, including addressing dangerous bends and congested sections.
Lawyer Ihab Frehat stressed the need to strengthen road safety features, including the installation of protective barriers, improved lighting, road markings and reflectors, stormwater drainage culverts, and connections between agricultural roads and main corridors to help farmers access their land and transport their produce.
The Ajloun Public Works Directorate has completed a number of projects in the Anjara, Junayd, Safa, Shafa, Kufr Anja, and Ain Jana areas, including the Ain Jana road covering the section from Al-Mahafir to Mahboub. Works included stormwater drainage and road safety improvements, funded from the Ministry of Public Works and Housing budget and the Ajloun Governorate Council.
In Jerash Governorate, the Public Works Directorate said it has completed 100 per cent of its current-year budget projects. Works covered the maintenance, rehabilitation, and widening of several roads, road marking, installation of reflectors and metal barriers, and the construction of stormwater drainage channels and culverts.
Among the completed projects is work on the southern Jerash entrance towards Ajloun, covering approximately 1,600 metres, including new asphalt, road markings, reflectors, and concrete drainage channels. Works were also carried out on the Majdal–Sayl road over approximately one kilometre, the Jerash–Souf road over approximately 680 metres, and the widening of the Qafqafa–Umm Al-Zeitoun road over approximately 1,050 metres, improving connectivity between Qafqafa, the Mushrifah area, and the road towards Mafraq.
Road projects in Jerash are expected to improve movement between towns and communities, facilitate agricultural produce transport, support tourism, and strengthen links with neighbouring governorates. Officials highlighted the importance of stormwater drainage works in protecting roads and extending their lifespan, particularly at sites prone to water pooling or flash flooding in winter, and the need for early preparation before the rainy season through cleaning culverts and channels and addressing hazardous points.
This article was originally written in Arabic for Al Ghad. It was translated into English with AI assistance and edited by Jordan News.
The Ministry of Public Works and Housing says the projects go beyond road safety improvements. Officials argue they are intended to raise the efficiency of goods and services movement, strengthen supply chains and logistics, and provide a transport network better able to serve economic, tourism, agricultural, and industrial sectors.
In Karak Governorate, the network spans both primary and secondary roads, some completed and others still under construction or in the planning stage. External roads fall under the ministry's remit; internal roads are the responsibility of municipalities.
About two weeks ago, the ministry began maintenance works on a section of the King's Highway between Karak and Tafilah, as part of a comprehensive contract covering the maintenance and rehabilitation of several main roads in the Southern Region. The work includes milling and removing damaged asphalt layers, treating subsidence at affected sites, laying new polymer-modified asphalt layers, and installing road markings and ground reflectors, along with maintenance of concrete elements and structural joints.
The ministry said the project forms part of an integrated programme to maintain and rehabilitate the Southern Region's main roads, aimed at preserving infrastructure, addressing damaged sites, raising road efficiency, and improving the level of service for road users.
About a month ago, the ministry announced the completion of tendering for the Sarfa–Ghor road. That road, together with the Kathraba–Ghor road, provides access to the Southern Ghor area from Karak's side. It extends 18 kilometres at a total cost of 10.5 million dinars, following five years of work carried out in multiple phases.
Ministry spokesman Omar Al-Maharma said the project is part of the ministry's strategy to develop road infrastructure and improve traffic connectivity across the kingdom's governorates. He said the road connects Karak Governorate to the Dead Sea Road at the Ghor Al-Haditha area, with positive implications for development, the economy, transport, tourism, and agriculture in the region.
Tourism activist Ibrahim Al-Hamaideh said the road supports tourism and agriculture and will mark a significant turning point for the area. He noted that the Sarfa area and the northern parts of the governorate have long attracted visitors to mountainous terrain and ancient archaeological sites, and that the absence of a proper road had made travel difficult on largely unpaved tracks.
The Kathraba–Southern Ghor road is still under construction. Once completed, it is expected to link the Southern Ghor area with the rest of the governorate and connect Karak with Aqaba Governorate.
The Muhay–Desert Highway road, connecting Karak Governorate to the Desert Highway via the Southern Mazar district, was opened to traffic about two weeks ago. The road, which extends 15 kilometres, links the governorate to phosphate mines, the Desert Highway, and the southern governorates. It had long been in poor condition, with numerous potholes, uneven surfaces, and sharp bends. Rehabilitation was described as a top priority for residents of Southern Mazar and the southern Badia areas.
The rehabilitation and widening project cost approximately 5 million dinars, funded by a loan from the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, and took around eighteen months to complete.
Two months ago, Public Works and Housing Minister Maher Hamdi Abu Al-Samen inspected the final works on the road and said the ministry is committed to raising road standards across all of the kingdom's governorates, achieving development objectives, and improving services for citizens at the best possible standard of resource management.
The ministry is also rehabilitating the Wadi Ibn Hammad road, described as the only route serving the agricultural and tourism area of Wadi Ibn Hammad, which leads to hot springs and natural recreation areas.
Two days ago, Greater Karak Municipality began laying hot asphalt mix as part of a contract to rehabilitate and develop the old city of Karak, following completion of preparatory works on a number of targeted streets. The work covers the rehabilitation of internal streets and walkways, including milling and repaving.
Municipal committee chairman Mohammad Al-Manaseer said the paving works are part of the municipality's plan to improve Karak city and its urban landscape, preserve the city's character, and enhance its readiness to serve residents and visitors.
In Aqaba Governorate, the Aqaba Public Works Directorate is focusing on the maintenance and rehabilitation of several main and external roads, given the governorate's economic importance as a centre for transport, trade, tourism, industry, and ports.
Aqaba Public Works Director Mohammad Al-Qasasbeh said maintenance works cover several main routes, including the Desert Highway section between Humaima and Quweira, the Wadi Araba road, and the main road leading to the entrance of Aqaba city.
The directorate completed maintenance of the 25-kilometre Humaima–Quweira section in both directions at a cost of approximately 3 million dinars. Work included removing damaged asphalt layers, laying new asphalt, and installing road-safety measures. The project was completed about two months ahead of schedule.
The road is considered an important corridor for trucks and vehicles moving between Aqaba and other parts of the kingdom, particularly given its role in commercial freight and land transport.
On the Wadi Araba road, the Al-Ghrandal section saw works to address water pooling and its effects on the road surface. These included the installation of box culverts, pipe culverts, and water control structures, along with improvements to road shoulders and drainage. The road was reopened in both directions after 27 days of works, carried out in cooperation with the Public Security Directorate and the Arab Potash Company.
Maintenance works also covered the main road at the entrance to Aqaba under Phase Four, encompassing an area of approximately 11,000 square metres over about one kilometre, at a cost of around 90,000 dinars, with a 45-day implementation period, funded by the Aqaba Governorate Council.
In Irbid Governorate, road works span several main corridors, including the International Baghdad Road, the International Jaber Road, the Irbid Ring Road, the Irbid–Ajloun road, and the Petroleum Road, as well as works linking some areas to service facilities.
One notable project is a road connecting Princess Basma Hospital to Street 100, at a cost of approximately 4.5 million dinars, intended to improve access to the hospital and ease traffic in the surrounding area.
Irbid occupies a particular position in the road network by virtue of its geography, economic activity, and links to border crossings. Improving the network is expected to reduce journey times and transport costs, improve freight flow, and support supply chain and logistics development.
Resident Ahmad Barakat said road development in the governorate requires an integrated vision that treats the network as a single system rather than a series of isolated sections, so that improvements serve both residents and various economic sectors.
Resident Ahmad Jaradat stressed the need for coordination between the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, municipalities, and the transport sector when implementing road projects, noting that the success of any project depends not only on its construction but on how well it integrates with the broader road network and existing services.
Ministry spokesman Omar Al-Maharma said work is continuing on the Irbid Ring Road project, which includes the third section. He said the first part covers earthworks over approximately 4 kilometres, an overpass bridge of 58 metres on the Katam road, and a widening of approximately 500 metres of the Katam road.
Al-Maharma said the second part of the project is approximately 69 per cent complete and includes a 105-metre tunnel on the Shallalah road, along with 1.34 kilometres of earthworks. He said the project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
In Ajloun Governorate, the ring road and the King's Highway are the top infrastructure priorities for residents and business representatives, as both are seen as critical to improving traffic flow and supporting tourism and economic development.
Ajloun Chamber of Commerce President Arab Al-Samadi said the two roads must be prioritised, given their importance for transport and connectivity across the governorate and their impact on tourism and commercial activity. He said improved roads are a fundamental condition for expanding investment and services in a governorate that relies heavily on tourism and agriculture.
Former council member Mohammad Ananba called for the construction of the ring road and the King's Highway, noting that the King's Highway could cut the distance between Ajloun and the capital Amman by roughly half, with positive effects for residents, transport, and economic activity. He also called for improvements to the Ajloun–Irbid road, including addressing dangerous bends and congested sections.
Lawyer Ihab Frehat stressed the need to strengthen road safety features, including the installation of protective barriers, improved lighting, road markings and reflectors, stormwater drainage culverts, and connections between agricultural roads and main corridors to help farmers access their land and transport their produce.
The Ajloun Public Works Directorate has completed a number of projects in the Anjara, Junayd, Safa, Shafa, Kufr Anja, and Ain Jana areas, including the Ain Jana road covering the section from Al-Mahafir to Mahboub. Works included stormwater drainage and road safety improvements, funded from the Ministry of Public Works and Housing budget and the Ajloun Governorate Council.
In Jerash Governorate, the Public Works Directorate said it has completed 100 per cent of its current-year budget projects. Works covered the maintenance, rehabilitation, and widening of several roads, road marking, installation of reflectors and metal barriers, and the construction of stormwater drainage channels and culverts.
Among the completed projects is work on the southern Jerash entrance towards Ajloun, covering approximately 1,600 metres, including new asphalt, road markings, reflectors, and concrete drainage channels. Works were also carried out on the Majdal–Sayl road over approximately one kilometre, the Jerash–Souf road over approximately 680 metres, and the widening of the Qafqafa–Umm Al-Zeitoun road over approximately 1,050 metres, improving connectivity between Qafqafa, the Mushrifah area, and the road towards Mafraq.
Road projects in Jerash are expected to improve movement between towns and communities, facilitate agricultural produce transport, support tourism, and strengthen links with neighbouring governorates. Officials highlighted the importance of stormwater drainage works in protecting roads and extending their lifespan, particularly at sites prone to water pooling or flash flooding in winter, and the need for early preparation before the rainy season through cleaning culverts and channels and addressing hazardous points.
This article was originally written in Arabic for Al Ghad. It was translated into English with AI assistance and edited by Jordan News.