Bechtel has announced the reopening of the south span of Al Mat Bridge, a vital link between Iraq and Jordan. The bridge suffered extensive damage during the conflict, and a temporary 3km bypass was opened in July 2003 to enable reconstruction to start. Bechtel subcontracted the construction to local contractor Al Qarya Company and completion of the north span of the bridge is expected next month. The route carries over 3,000 trucks a day, bringing humanitarian aid and goods to Baghdad and other Iraqi cities from Jordan.