RECLAMATION work on the new BD94 million bridge linking Muharraq and Manama has started.
The 550m bridge, which is the fourth of its kind between the two cities, is an extension of the 7.8km long North Muharraq Highway project, which also includes the 4.2km long Muharraq ring road.
Financing for the entire project, which will connect north Busaiteen and Bahrain Bay, is being covered by the Saudi Fund for Development.
Reclamation work started after two companies – Boskalis Westminster Contracting Company and Boskalis Westminster Al Rushaid Company – were selected by the Tender Board.
Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Essam Khalaf said in a statement issued yesterday that the first company will handle the first phase of reclamation work while the other will work on the second phase.
“The strategic project will enhance the economic movement witnessed by the country as the fourth bridge will connect economic, tourist and development facilities in Muharraq island with the capital Manama from the north,” said Mr Khalaf in the statement.
“It will also secure routes to reach the new Busaiteen area, Al Saya and Bandar Al Seef.
“The project is a continuation of the Muharraq ring road as it starts from Samaheej/Diyar Al Muharraq and passed by Dair, Busaiteen and Al Saya up to Bahrain Bay in the north of Manama. It will also aim to resolve problems associated with traffic congestion in the eastern side of Muharraq as it would link with the first phase of the Muharraq ring road project that has been completed at the entrance of Diyar Al Muharraq.
Movement
“The new 550m bridge will also connect Al Saya with the Bahrain Financial Harbour area, and has a 150m long opening for vessel movement along with a 40m wide and 10m long sea access.”
Mr Khalaf added that the bridge, suspended 93 metres over sea level, will have five lanes in each direction.
“The bridge is linked with two four-lane roads in each side, with the first being in east Al Saya until Diyar Al Muharraq and the second being between Bahrain Financial Harbour and Al Wajeha Al Bahria (Seafront District) nearby the Seef District,” he explained.
“While the eastern side is under the second phase of the north Manama Bridge.”
The minister also revealed that the second phase of the north Manama Bridge, which is part of the Manama Ring Road Project, is set to complete the first phase of reclamation work in August.
“The final phase of reclamation is being arranged so work could begin on associated roads and bridges,” he said in the statement.
“It will be a continuation of the junction nearby Bahrain Bay up to the Seef District and Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Highway nearby Al Farouq Junction.”
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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