Bahrain is set to roll out an ambitious programme of road and traffic projects from 2026 to 2030 to ease congestion and improve mobility nationwide.
Works Minister Ibrahim Al Hawaj said studies covering planning, design and financing for the long‑awaited North Bahrain Highway are now in an advanced stage.
In a detailed written response to a question by Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee chairman MP Ahmed Al Salloom, Mr Al Hawaj set out a phased programme of major road projects. These include highway upgrades, new interchanges, urban road developments and strategic links aimed at easing congestion, supporting new housing and investment areas, and strengthening national road connectivity.
“The ministry pays great attention to implementing projects and services that directly benefit citizens and residents across all governorates,” the minister said. “These projects are carefully scheduled according to technical readiness, completion of designs, and the approval of financial allocations in co-ordination with relevant government entities.”
Among the headline projects confirmed for implementation during the 2026-2030 period are:
• Budaiya Highway – where preparatory works have already begun
• Shaikh Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah Highway (Phase One)
• Construction of the fourth bridge between Manama and Muharraq
• Development of the Shaikh Salman Highway – 16th December Highway interchange
• Development of roads leading to Bahrain International Airport (Phase Four)
• Expansion of Shaikh Salman Highway and development of the Isa Town Gate intersection
• Development of Shaikh Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah (Phases Two and Three) Highway
• Upgrading the Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Causeway – Dry Dock Highway intersection
• Development of Wali Al Ahd Highway, King Faisal Highway and Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Highway
The minister explained that implementation will be sequential and dependent on the completion of final designs, tendering procedures and contract awards.
“The timetable for each project is linked to the completion of technical and administrative procedures. The ministry intends to begin each project separately once designs and funding approvals are in place,” he said.
In addition to the national highway projects, the ministry has prioritised several urban road developments in the Capital Governorate Constituency Five. These include the reconstruction of Road 2904 in Salmaniya, which will see upgraded intersections, additional parking spaces, stormwater drainage networks, improved lighting, pedestrian sidewalks and underground utility conduits for future services.
Detailed designs have also been completed for paving Road 5803 and surrounding roads in Zinj Block 358, incorporating drainage networks, safety features.
Meanwhile, design work is underway for widening part of Avenue 13 and upgrading the Bahrain Map intersection to improve traffic flow and safety.
“Our priorities also include paving unpaved roads, upgrading village infrastructure, and establishing and maintaining sewage networks,” the minister added. “These are essential services that go hand-in-hand with major road projects.”
The most strategically significant project highlighted in the minister’s response is the North Bahrain Highway, described as one of the kingdom’s most prominent traffic arteries in future.
The proposed highway will stretch along Bahrain’s northern coastline, starting from the Bahrain Bay area in Manama and passing through existing and future investment zones and islands, including Nurana Island and Seef Marina, before reaching west of Salman Town.
The minister said the project would support major investment developments in the north, enhance connectivity to new housing projects and reclaimed islands, boost tourism and commercial activity and relieve pressure on existing roads in Manama and surrounding areas.
The highway is set to feature several marine bridges and strategic links to northern islands and developments. The design philosophy focuses on free-flowing traffic in main sections, with carefully planned major interchanges to ensure high operational efficiency.
In November 2025, the ministry issued a tender to appoint a financial consultant to explore funding options for the project, including potential public-private partnership models.
The consultant will also define phased implementation, based on traffic priorities, and prepare a full economic and social impact study to ensure the project’s long-term financial sustainability.
“We are studying financing mechanisms and partnership opportunities with the private sector to maximise the project’s developmental return,” Mr Al Hawaj said.
“These projects form part of a comprehensive vision to enhance mobility, reduce congestion and support the Kingdom’s development plans over the coming years.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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