An urgent call to address what residents describe as a “critically dangerous intersection” in A’ali has prompted a formal response from the Works Ministry, which says structural redesign options are not feasible but immediate safety enhancements are on the way.
Works Ministry Under-Secretary Shaikh Mishal bin Mohammed Al Khalifa confirmed that specialists had conducted a technical review of the junction on Road 4262 in Block 742, near the Ramli Petrol Station in Northern Governorate Constituency Six.
“The specialists in this Ministry have reviewed the intersection’s layout from an engineering and planning perspective,” Shaikh Mishal said. “Several proposals were studied, such as constructing a roundabout or changing the intersection’s layout. However, implementing such solutions is not feasible due to the limited right-of-way and conflicts with private properties. The study concluded that maintaining the current intersection layout is the most suitable.”
He added that while major structural changes were ruled out, targeted safety measures would be introduced to reduce risks.
“Warning traffic signs will be provided, road markings will be repainted, and a level speed bump will be installed to enhance traffic safety at the intersection,” he said. “Implementation will commence after obtaining the necessary approvals from the service providers, securing the required funding, and completing the necessary procedures.”
The response follows mounting pressure from Northern Municipal Council members and residents over what has been described as a daily traffic hazard in the rapidly developing A’ali and Ramli area.
Northern Governorate Constituency Six councillor Abdulla Ashoor had submitted an urgent request to the council, warning that the intersection had become increasingly dangerous amid commercial expansion and rising traffic volumes.
“This intersection has become a daily hazard,” Mr Ashoor said. “We are not only seeing frequent traffic accidents – some of them serious – but also placing residents and drivers at unnecessary risk.”
He stressed that similar appeals had previously been submitted without tangible action.
“It is unacceptable that despite prior appeals, no action has been taken,” he added. “This is a densely populated area with ongoing commercial and industrial movement. The lack of basic traffic infrastructure is putting lives at risk every single day.”
According to Mr Ashoor, the danger stems from a combination of heavy vehicle traffic, increasing commercial activity and insufficient safety infrastructure. The area is home to numerous shops and businesses, leading to high pedestrian and vehicle flow, including the frequent movement of large trucks.
He cited several pressing concerns:
v Daily traffic accidents at the location.
v High commercial activity increasing congestion.
v Frequent passage of heavy trucks.
v Absence of speed-reducing measures.
v Lack of clear road markings and directional signage.
v High population density in surrounding neighbourhoods.
“We cannot afford to wait until a fatal incident happens for prompt action,” Mr Ashoor said. “The Works Ministry must move swiftly.”
The councillor’s proposal called for immediate road safety improvements, including speed bumps, lane markings, clear signage, traffic-calming measures to regulate heavy vehicles and a comprehensive traffic assessment of the area.
He pointed out that residents and business owners have reportedly voiced growing concern, particularly over near-misses involving children, elderly pedestrians and heavy transport vehicles.
“While a full redesign of the intersection has been ruled out for now, the promised safety upgrades are expected to bring some relief to motorists and pedestrians – provided the necessary approvals and funding are secured without delay,” said Mr Ashoor.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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