The Hama-Homs road was opened through an alternative route near the Rastan Bridge today.

The police in Hama province announced the reopening of the road connecting Hama and Homs as of 9 a.m. today, Tuesday, after completing the asphalt work on the path adjacent to the Rastan Bridge, known as the Dam Road, not the main bridge itself.

They clarified that traffic will be available for all vehicles except trucks and heavy-loaded cars, to ensure drivers' safety and road readiness.

The police urged citizens to adhere to traffic instructions and speed limits while crossing, wishing everyone safety in their travels.

This decision comes in light of the importance of the Rastan Bridge as a vital link between northern and southern Syria through the M5 international highway connecting Damascus to Aleppo, playing a crucial role in civilian movement and trade between provinces.

The Rastan Bridge and its dam suffered significant damage in recent years due to Russian airstrikes targeting vital facilities in the city, leading to its deterioration and suspension of service.

Despite these damages, traffic continued for a period before authorities decided to completely close the road based on recommendations from engineering committees warning of the danger of using the bridge due to its instability.

In previous statements, the head of the local council in Rastan mentioned that technical committees recommended banning the passage of all types of vehicles on the bridge due to its current dangerous condition, while the director of water resources in Hama warned that a rise in the water level of Lake Rastan could lead to a disaster if comprehensive and rapid rehabilitation works are not carried out.

Despite the temporary road reopening, rehabilitating the main bridge remains an urgent necessity to ensure the safety of the infrastructure and the continuity of movement between Syrian provinces.