A proposal to extend the ban on heavy trucks by an additional hour during peak times on Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Bridge has been turned down by the General Directorate of Traffic.
The authority said the existing restrictions are adequate, noting that they maintain a balance between easing traffic congestion and supporting economic activity.
The proposal – submitted by Hidd councillor Mohammed Al Meghawi on behalf of the Muharraq Municipal Council – sought to extend the existing morning and afternoon truck bans to alleviate chronic congestion on the key route connecting Hidd with other parts of the Capital Governorate.
The General Directorate of Traffic confirmed that, based on a decision by the Traffic Council, truck movements are already restricted during peak hours, from 6.30am to 8am and from 2pm to 3pm.
“These timings are deemed sufficient at the present stage, and there is no current need to extend them,” said General Directorate of Traffic Deputy Director Brigadier Mohammed Al Darraj.
He explained that the existing schedule was designed to reduce congestion and shorten travel times for other road users without creating knock-on effects elsewhere.
“The objective is to balance traffic flow between periods when trucks are prohibited and permitted to move,” Brigadier Al Darraj said. “Extending the ban could lead to increased pressure on surrounding roads outside the restricted hours due to the accumulation of truck traffic.”
He added that any changes must also take into account broader economic considerations.
“The needs of transportation, development projects, and commercial, construction and industrial growth must also be considered,” he said, noting that excessive restrictions could disrupt supply chains and ongoing works.
The response was forwarded to the Muharraq Municipal Council through the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry.
However, Mr Al Meghawi defended the proposal, saying it was aimed at addressing a long-standing bottleneck faced by residents every day.
“The intention was to tackle severe congestion on the Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Highway, particularly during peak hours,” Mr Al Meghawi said. “This bridge is a vital link connecting Hidd with other areas, and traffic builds up significantly when heavy vehicles are on the road at the same time as commuters.”
He stressed that the recommendation was driven by complaints from members of the public and on-the-ground observations.
“Residents regularly raise concerns about delays and traffic pressure during rush hours,” he claimed. “Extending the truck ban by one additional hour in the morning and evening was proposed as a practical solution to improve traffic flow and road safety.”
Despite the rejection, Mr Al Meghawi said he hoped the issue would remain under review.
“We respect the technical assessment of the traffic authorities, but we also believe that congestion patterns change,” he said. “If conditions worsen, the proposal should be reconsidered in the future.”
Traffic congestion on Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Causeway has been a recurring concern, particularly as Hidd continues to expand residentially and industrially with it being the home of Khalifa Bin Salman Port.
While the General Directorate of Traffic has ruled out any immediate changes, officials indicated that traffic patterns will continue to be monitored, leaving the door open for future adjustments should circumstances require.
Earlier this month, Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa addressed concerns over truck congestion in residential neighbourhoods.
The minister said the issue directly impacts citizens’ quality of life and is largely caused by the absence of properly equipped truck parking areas, particularly during waiting periods for convoy movement across King Fahad Causeway.
Dr Shaikh Abdulla confirmed close co-ordination with the Interior Ministry’s General Directorate of Traffic through the Land Transport Inspection and Control Directorate, but acknowledged that enforcement remains limited without stronger legislation.
He said the ministry is prioritising the development of truck holding yards, including a temporary facility near Khalifa Bin Salman Port, alongside the upcoming new customs zone project.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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