BAHRAIN’S first U-turn flyover was inaugurated yesterday, marking the completion of the first phase of a major multi-million dinar revamp of an arterial thoroughfare in the heart of the capital.
The new U-turn on Al Fateh Highway was opened by Works Minister Ibrahim Al Hawaj, in the presence of senior ministry officials, consultants and site engineers.
It is part of one of the largest roadwork projects in the country that is set for tentative completion in March 2024.
The vital highway, which links bustling areas like Juffair, Ghuraifa, Adliya, Gudaibiya, Umm Al Hassam and Mina Salman, currently has a traffic flow of 87,000 vehicles per day. The proposed revamp, once completed, would see the capacity increased to 140,000 vehicles per day.
Mr Al Hawaj reaffirmed that 51 per cent of the highway revamp project has been completed.
“Opening the new U-turn is the first phase in the implementation of the comprehensive revamp project for Al Fateh Highway – which links several key development projects in Bahrain,” said Mr Al Hawaj yesterday.
“Al Fateh Highway expansion is one of the important strategic projects that is within the implementation of the Government Action Plan. It will provide high-quality standards for sustainable growth while meeting the current and future needs of Bahrain.
“It will also contribute to attracting more investments, which will revitalise the economic sectors in Bahrain.”
Mr Al Hawaj further noted that the U-turn will mainly serve traffic flowing from Juffair via Prince Saud Al Faisal Highway to Al Fateh Highway south towards Mina Salman, in addition to traffic heading west to Shaikh Duaij Avenue.
“The ministry is taking steps to accelerate the progress of work and is aiming to implement the policy of phased-opening of the main components of the project upon their completion,” added Mr Al Hawaj. “This will streamline traffic flow on Al Fateh Highway while the remaining parts of the project are completed.”
In an official video, the Works Ministry advised drivers coming from Al Fateh Grand Mosque Junction and Prince Saud Al Faisal Highway – and proceeding towards Al Fateh Highway north – to use the new U-turn flyover heading to Shaikh Duaij Avenue (west), Adliya Block 338 and Mina Salman.
It also said that the left-turning lanes from Prince Saud Al Faisal Highway to Al Fateh Highway (southbound) and the left turning lanes from Al Fateh Highway to Shaikh Duaij Avenue will be closed to traffic as part of the upgrade. However, the dates for the closure were not revealed.
The GDN previously reported that the highway revamp scheme was awarded to a joint venture between Nass Contracting Company (Bahrain) and Huta Hegerfeld Saudi Limited (Saudi Arabia). The BD29.7 million project is being financed by Saudi Fund for Development.
The GDN previously reported that under the expansion plan, the highway will be turned into a four-lane artery in each direction over more than 3km. An underpass will also be constructed, with three lanes in both directions with a length of 595m at Gulf Hotel Junction for traffic between north and south, in addition to the signal controlled junction at ground level.
The minister added that the next phase includes diverting traffic over the tunnel, as the current intersection at the Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention and Spa will temporarily turn into an oval-shaped roundabout. It will be operated by traffic lights so that tunnel excavation can be completed while concrete casting for construction work is still underway.
Mr Al Hawaj added that work will be divided into stages so that it can be implemented in a smooth manner with the least impact on traffic movement on Al Fateh Highway.
reem@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))