Tunisia president revives Djerba bridge project
President Kaïs Saïed discussed a 2.4-kilometer bridge linking Djerba to the mainland with his infrastructure minister.
President Kaïs Saïed discussed a proposed 2.4-kilometer bridge to connect Djerba island with the mainland at El Jorf. The meeting with Infrastructure Minister Salah Zouari on November 2, 2026, aimed to replace current ferry services and the Roman road with a permanent link. This project seeks to ease travel for residents and visitors who face delays with the existing maritime transport.
The bridge would span from Ajim on Djerba to El Jorf on the mainland, requiring road improvements on the island. Initial studies in October 2023 estimated the cost between 900 million and one billion dinars, with a projected construction time of three and a half years. SCET-Tunisie conducted the technical, economic, financial, and environmental studies with funding from the French Development Agency.
The Djerba bridge has been considered for years to boost tourism and the island's economy. In February 2025, the General Authority for Public-Private Partnership still listed it as a planned operation. President Saïed also urged a reform of public procurement rules to speed up project completion and combat corruption.
Why it mattersTunisian residents and visitors to Djerba island will experience reduced travel difficulties if the bridge project is completed.