Local leaders celebrate Baghdad bridge opening

Courtesy Photo | Col. Joseph DiSalvo, 2nd BCT, commander, speaks with District Advisory Council members at a ceremony for the opening of the Rustimiyah Bypass Bridge, Sept. 9.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

09.11.2005

Courtesy Story

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2nd Brigade Combat Team PAO

BAGHDAD -- Task Force Baghdad Soldiers and leaders from the Tissa Nissan District of East Baghdad cut the ribbon on a much-anticipated bypass Sept. 9.

The opening of the Rustamiyah Traffic Bypass represents the culmination of a $2 million project conceived by the Tissa Nissan District Advisory Council with assistance from 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division; the 36th Engineer Group; and 1st Battalion, 64th Armor, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.

"The idea for the bypass was the brainchild of the Nine Nissan DAC," said Lt. Col. Kevin Farrell, commander of 1st Bn., 64th Armor. "It's benefited the local economy by creating jobs, but also by improving the traffic flow in the area."

A gathering of Iraqis and U.S. Soldiers grew on the bridge as attack helicopters circled the area and tanks patrolled the streets.

Tissa Nissan DAC member Dr. Karim Al Amber, who cut the ribbon officially opening the bypass, praised the project as representing a bridge of peace between Iraqis and Americans.

"This is a great project -- it is also a weapon, which will shorten the age and the time of the terrorists," Amber said. "The motivation from this will promote hope in the souls of the people."

Since the liberation of Iraq in 2003 and the continued presence of Coalition Forces on the Rustamiyah Military Academy Compound, residents of Baghdad have found it difficult to travel easily on nearby Canal Road due to the high volume of military and logistical traffic.

Additionally, the compound and travelers in its vicinity have been at increased risk for car bombs because of traffic congestion. The Rustamiyah Bypass attempts to solve these problems.

"The heavy traffic near Rustamiyah posed a threat to both civilians and Soldiers from (vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices)," Farrell, of Harrison, N.Y., said. "The area is safer for everyone now."

The project included a bridge, 1.5 kilometers of roadway, curb construction and emplacement of roadside lighting. The bridge itself is a concrete girder bridge with a concrete deck and asphalt surface able to handle loads in excess of 70 tons.

This project is one of many road and infrastructure improvements completed or currently underway under the guidance of the leaders and citizens of Tissa Nissan in partnership with 1-64 Armor Soldiers.

Since February 2005, local leaders with the help of the battalion have supervised the completion of $3 million worth of projects with another $2 million worth of projects ongoing throughout the Tissa Nissan District. All projects share the same goal of improving the quality of life of the district's citizens.

• Date Taken: 09.11.2005
• Date Posted: 09.11.2005 16:23
• Story ID: 2974
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ