- The European Investment Bank (EIB) provides financing of €123 million, covered by an EU guarantee, towards the Bizerte bridge project, which will supplement a €122 million loan from the African Development Bank (AfDB)
- This joint commitment of the EIB, the European Union, the AfDB and the Tunisian government demonstrates investment in transport infrastructure in Tunisia
- The signing of the construction contract marks start of work lasting 38 months
The European Investment Bank – the EU bank – confirms financial support of €123 million (around TND 416 million) for the construction of a new bridge in Bizerte in northern Tunisia, in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB), which is providing €122 million in financing, and the Tunisian government. Since its launch in 2016, this project has benefited from EU support via a grant of around €3 million (more than TND 10 million) for feasibility studies and the design phase of the project.
This project aims to significantly improve the mobility and quality of life of the people living in this region. Strategically located between Lake Bizerte and the Mediterranean Sea, this ambitious project concerns the construction of a modern bridge 2.07 km long and 56 metres high, with a total budget of TND 750 million (around €250 million). The signing of the construction contract marks the start of the work, with an estimated construction period of 38 months for the bridge and 27 months for the roads and associated interchanges.
This project is crucial for the city of Bizerte, as it is designed to move traffic out of the city centre and reduce air pollution and urban traffic congestion. The construction of this bridge is a major step towards fostering the region’s sustainable development and preparing for the future of the next generations, reflecting the commitment of the EIB and the European Union to support modern, sustainable infrastructure in Tunisia.
The construction contract was awarded to the Sichuan Road and Bridge Group (SRBG) following an international call for tenders, at a cost of TND 610 million, accounting for 79% of the total investment. The works comprise three phases: creation of a southbound link via a 4.5 km motorway, construction of the main bridge, and construction of a northbound link and a 2.5 km motorway.
This new structure, eagerly awaited by the inhabitants of Bizerte, will move traffic out of the city centre and ease transit via the mobile bridge, which is currently used by more than 44 000 vehicles per day. In addition to improving traffic flow, the project will support the region’s economic activity by facilitating access to the port of Bizerte and fostering local development.
“We confirm our commitment to the implementation of this strategic project, which will help improve the daily lives of the residents of Bizerte and boost the region’s economic development. Through its contribution, the European Union reaffirms its commitment to sustainable development for the institutions and people of Tunisia,” said EU Ambassador to Tunisia Marcus Cornaro.
“Aside from its impressive technical features, this eagerly awaited bridge will reduce traffic in the centre of Bizerte and improve trade flows with the north-east of the country and along the border with Algeria. This infrastructure project reflects our commitment to sustainable solutions and a promising future for the people of Tunisia,” said the Head of the EIB Representation to Tunisia Jean-Luc Revéreault.
See the project video for a true overview of the impact this project will have on Bizerte.
Background information
European Investment Bank (EIB)
Since 1979, the EIB in Tunisia has played a key role in the country’s economic and social development, supporting projects that positively transform everyday life. Through substantial investments in vital areas such as renewable energy, education, urban development and support to small businesses, the EIB is strengthening critical infrastructure and fostering inclusive growth.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union owned by its Member States. EIB Global is the EIB Group’s specialised arm devoted to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance beyond the European Union. It is a key partner in the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative, and is designed to foster strong, focused partnership within Team Europe alongside fellow development finance institutions and civil society. EIB Global brings the Group closer to local people, companies and institutions through our offices around the world.
European Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 European countries. It is based on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of people belonging to minorities. It works globally to promote the sustainable development of societies, the environment and economies, so that everyone can benefit from it.
Global Gateway is the European Union’s strategy to narrow the global investment gap, boost smart, clean and secure links in the digital, energy and transport sectors, and strengthen education, health and research systems. The Global Gateway strategy embodies a Team Europe approach that brings together the European Union, EU Member States and European development finance institutions. It aims to mobilise up to €300 billion in public and private investment from 2021 to 2027, creating essential links rather than dependencies, and closing the global investment gap.
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