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Concrete barriers at the junction of Roads 105 and 9 in Al Sayah will remain in place for now, as traffic engineers continue assessing the impact of works tied to the Shaikh Isa Bridge corridor upgrade.
The Works Ministry confirmed the decision in a response to the Muharraq Municipal Council, which had sought their removal following complaints from residents about restricted access along Street 105.
Works Ministry Under-Secretary Shaikh Mishal bin Mohammed Al Khalifa said the barriers were not temporary, but part of a wider traffic redesign completed in December 2025.
“The concrete barriers at the intersection of Street 105 and Street 9 were introduced to improve traffic flow and meet the objectives of the Shaikh Isa Bridge and Road (105) intersection development project,” he said.
The ministry said the upgrade forms part of a broader plan to streamline movement to and from the bridge corridor, one of Muharraq’s busiest arteries linking the island to the capital. Shaikh Mishal noted that the revised layout remains under technical review.
Shaikh Mishal
“Traffic flow following the changes is being monitored, and required studies are underway,” he said.
“Based on the findings, the optimal long-term traffic solution for the area will be implemented, taking into account impacts on adjacent intersections and main roads.”
The ministry added that concerns raised by the municipal council are being considered as part of the evaluation.
The response was relayed through the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry after the council formally requested the barriers’ removal. Muharraq Municipal Council technical committee chairman and area councillor Mohammed Al Mahmood said the request followed repeated complaints from residents who felt the new layout had complicated internal movement within Al Sayah.
“Residents said the barriers limit direct access and force longer detours, particularly when moving between neighbourhood streets,” he said.
“Our request was not to oppose the development, but to ensure the final traffic arrangement does not create undue difficulty for residents.” Mr Al Mahmood welcomed the ministry’s assurance that studies were ongoing and that the council’s observations were being taken into account.
Mr Al Mahmood
“We appreciate that the Works Ministry is adopting a comprehensive view of the road network, rather than focusing on a single junction,” he said.
“We will continue to follow up to ensure residents’ needs are reflected in the final solution.”
For now, motorists in Al Sayah will have to adapt to the revised layout as traffic specialists determine whether the current configuration delivers the intended improvements – or whether further adjustments will be needed once the study phase is complete.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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