Amman: Minister of Public Works and Housing Maher Abul Samen on Wednesday inspected a number of bridges and culverts along the Dead Sea road to assess their structural integrity and the impact of recent flooding and heavy runoff in the area.
According to Jordan News Agency, the visit aimed to check the condition of concrete structures and determine the extent of damage, particularly to the protective works of the Zarqa Ma'in Bridge. This inspection was necessary after the Zarqa Ma'in Dam reached full capacity for the first time since its construction in 2017, with recent water flows causing erosion in parts of the bridge protections.
During the field tour, Abul Samen instructed the ministry's Roads and Bridges Directorate to begin immediate reinforcement and protection works on the damaged sections. He also directed efforts to treat the watercourse at the end of the valley to ensure smooth flow and prevent future erosion.
The minister emphasized the need to conduct comprehensive engineering and technical studies to identify the necessary works for permanently reinforcing bridge outlets and protective structures. These measures aim to ensure their durability and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions and sudden floods, which are characteristic of the area's terrain.
The visit is part of the ministry's commitment to monitoring the structural condition of vital roads and ensuring the highest levels of public safety for road users. There is a particular focus on addressing the direct impact of climate change on infrastructure.