Bahrain - A multi-million-dinar project to expand one of Bahrain’s major highways got underway yesterday.

Work began on the BD23.4 million development of Shaikh Zayed Highway and will continue for 24 months.

Once completed, the expansion, which is being financed by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, is expected to increase the highway’s capacity to 80,000 vehicles per day, with a peak-hour capacity of 6,000, said the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry in a statement yesterday.

Strategic

“The expansion of Shaikh Zayed Highway is one of the most important strategic projects on Bahrain’s main road network,” said Minister Essam Khalaf.

“The first phase of the project features the expansion of the highway to three lanes in each direction from December 16 Highway to Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Highway and from the western roundabout of A’ali to Shaikh Isa bin Salman Highway.

“Four roundabouts along the highway will also be converted into intersections with traffic lights with the project also including lighting work, roadblocks and traffic signs.

“It will also include revamping the asphalt layers, beautification and landscaping as well as rainwater drainage.”

Mr Khalaf said the key project will contribute to reducing traffic congestion in both Salmabad and A’ali as well as facilitate access to these neighbourhoods while also easing access to the Educational Area in Isa Town and addressing traffic jams in front of the driving school in A’ali and Bahrain National Stadium.

The development of the key artery will include the diversion and protection of ground services, the development of the rainwater drainage network on the road and surrounding areas as well as executing the implementation of a sewage station and sewage transmission light to serve the Ramli Housing Project.

Improvement

Improvement work started on December 16 Highway yesterday with the closure of one lane in both direction between Muharraq Avenue and Al Esteqlal Highway with two lanes provided for traffic movement for 12 months.

Mr Khalaf revealed that according to recent statistics the traffic volume on the December 16 Highway exceeds 26,000 vehicles daily in each direction.

“The project will coincide with the start of the new school year, so motorists are urged to use other routes to the Educational Area to avoid traffic congestion at peak times,” he added.

“Entrances have been provided from Shaikh Salman Highway to Avenue 41 as well as from Al Esteqlal Highway to Road 4103 near the Education Ministry entrance.

“There is also an entrance from Shaikh Salman Highway to Road 4109 near the Shaikh Abdullah Secondary School for Boys as well as an entrance from the intersection of December 16 Highway with Road 4109.

“Another entrance is also available from December 16 Highway to Avenue 41 near the Ibn Khuldoon National School which will also be open for traffic.”

 

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