KUWAIT, Oct 17 (KUNA) -- Minister of Public Works Dr. Fadhel Safar inaugurated Wednesday the Kuwait Bridge Design & Construction Conference & Exhibition.

"There is growing need in Kuwait for expanding bridge and road projects to overcome the complicating traffic problems," Minister Safar said in the opening speech of the conference held here.

A surge in bridge projects of all sizes has been observed across Kuwait and the GCC region in recent years.

This is a result of the rapid growth of cities and the accelerating need for effective, efficient and sustainable transport network.

"The Ministry is working on several road projects currently the biggest of which is Al-Jahra road development project," said the minister.

He pointed out that road is expanded over 21 kilometers, including 17 km of bridges.

Minister Safar also touched upon a number of the future plans for developing Kuwait's transport network.

Kuwait Bridge Design & Construction Conference & Exhibition is an outstanding 2 day technical event that will bring together senior level decision makers, engineers, project managers, and industry leaders in one place.

The conference addresses key issues of bridge design, specification, cost, schedule and construction management with particular emphasis on risk management and mitigation during the design and construction process. New trends and innovative techniques will also be discussed.

Kuwait Bridge Design & Construction Conference & Exhibition is designed to assist participants to widen their knowledge and enhance their skills in bridge design and construction. This is done via a comprehensive review of techniques and best practices, followed by intensive practical case studies based on real life projects.

Participants will also gain access to the latest development in the industry. Various challenges and difficulties in a bridge project will be discussed as well.