Overview. The objective of this USAID-funded project is to build an all-weather paved asphalt road of approximately 101 kilometers beginning from the traffic circle in the city center of Gardez to the city of Khost. The project includes the replacement of one bridge, minor repairs to 18 bridges and 13 causeways, and the repair and reconstruction of hundreds of storm drains, irrigation culverts, cross drainage structures, low water crossings, stone masonry retaining walls, guard walls and culvert headwalls.

The condition of the Gardez-Khost Road at the project start-up was a combination of unimproved roadway and partially graveled or paved surfaces. Overloaded trucks and an under-designed road have contributed to extensive damage over many years of constant use, with frequent flooding by spring run-off and localized rainstorms often making the road impassable.

The road follows a river canyon and is characterized by high embankments overlooking the route. Various small settlements are found at intervals along this road.

Upon completion, this road will be a natural extension of the 122-kilometer Kabul to Gardez Road, completed under the USAID-funded Rehabilitation and Economic Facilities Services (REFS) program. The project will provide a Western-standard road from Kabul into the heart of Khost Province near the Pakistan border.

Current Activities:

IRP construction activities under this task order closed in November 2011.

Accomplishments:

• Constructed 63 kilometers of road (Sections 1 and 3).
• Performed initial survey work, all excavation and rock cut and construction activities in preparation for asphalt pavement on Section 2.
• Executed safety precautions for Section 2, allowing safe use of the road until work resumes in spring 2012. This includes diversions, barricades to protect structures, winter maintenance and snow removal through February 2012.
• Met with community leaders and held numerous shuras to announce construction start-up, encourage participation and cooperation on the part of local communities, and hire labor and security force personnel from the local area.
• Created employment for local communities through the hiring of local construction and security personnel.
• Provided on-the-job training and one-on-one mentoring for on-site Afghan engineers, technicians, skilled and unskilled workers and administrative personnel on a continuing basis through the life of the task order.
• Constructed three construction camps and demobilized two.

Map: Gardez to Khost Road

Video: Reconstructing the Gardez-Khost Road: Challenge and Impact

News:

Repairs to the Ghurki Khaley Bridge Made Just in Time

Emergency Repair Work at Gerdi Seri Keeps the Road Open

President Hamed Karzai and U.S. Ambassador William Wood Witness Contract Signing for Gardez-Khost Road Construction

IRP Conducts Bid Opening for Reconstruction of Gardez-Khost Road

Winter Maintenance along the Gardez-Khost Road Saves Lives and Supports Stability

Topographic Survey Generates Jobs for Afghans

Local Leaders Pledge Support for Construction of Gardez-Khost Road