Construction of the future expressway linking Antananarivo to the port of Toamasina continues to progress. Bitumen paving operations are advancing slowly, with 29.3 km already paved out of the first 80 km of this road, representing an execution rate of 36.63%. "The bitumen shortage linked to the conflict in Iran is behind the delays in asphalt work. The product is already available," a source explained yesterday. On this same section, earthwork is nearly complete, with barely 20 km remaining. According to the latest technical project report, earthwork shows an advancement rate of 75.75%, covering more than 60 kilometers. This progress allows work on the road structure to begin. The foundation layer already extends over 45 km (56.34%), while the base layer is completed over 33 km (41.31%). 42 out of 43 culverts are already installed on the first 58 kilometers, representing 63% progress. Additionally, 25 out of 28 drainage structures are completed on the first 43 kilometers (73.53%). Two of the three bridges planned for this phase are under construction. The company responsible for the work estimates it will achieve the 80 km objective by year-end. The planned route after kilometer 80 is subject to change. The project will continue with the study of a new alignment for this second section. Miangaly Ralitera