On Monday 18 May 2009 - President of Sudan Field Marshal Omar Al-Bashir inaugurated Al-Bashir Bridge which links Mattama and Shendi towns in Nahr-al Nil State; the project total value is US$ 22million. The massive body of 660 meters in length and 20.5 meters in width, 170km from Khartoum city, including 160 piles (120cm dm- 6214ml), 16 concrete bases and diaphragms, resting on 32 huge concrete pillars, has been implemented by 300 workers from the Arab Contractors Co. the inauguration ceremony was in the presence of Eng. Faysal Mortada - Senior Vice-President, Eng. Atef Al Bolok - Head of sector supervising Sudan projects, Eng. Mohammed Soliman – Manager of Sudan Branch and Eng. Yasser Fawzy – Project Manager.