Motorists heading to Bahrain International Airport can expect dramatically smoother journeys in the coming months, as Bahrain’s ambitious airport roads development project reached a major construction milestone yesterday with work officially beginning on pouring the bridge decking for one of the kingdom’s biggest traffic infrastructure upgrades.
During a site inspection visit, Works Minister Ibrahim Al Hawaj announced that the third phase (A) has now reached 47 per cent completion, marking significant progress in a project designed to transform traffic movement across the Muharraq Governorate.
“We have now begun the bridge deck pouring stage, which represents a very important step in this strategic national project aimed at strengthening Bahrain’s road network and significantly improving traffic flow in Muharraq,” said Mr Al Hawaj.
At the heart of the development is the construction of a free-flow left-turn flyover along Khalifa Al Kabeer Avenue at its intersection with Arad Highway, eliminating one of Muharraq’s busiest traffic bottlenecks while cutting travel times for thousands of daily commuters.
The minister stressed that the project forms part of Bahrain’s long-term infrastructure strategy to accommodate rapid urban expansion and improve access to the airport and surrounding economic zones.
“The project will greatly improve traffic movement on both Arad Highway and Khalifa Al Kabeer Avenue, while upgrading infrastructure to match population growth and urban expansion, in addition to improving access to Bahrain International Airport and all its facilities,” he said.
Perhaps the most striking figure is the expected leap in road capacity once the project is completed.
“The intersection currently handles around 5,250 vehicles per hour. Upon completion, that number will increase to nearly 16,000 vehicles per hour, which reflects the scale of transformation we are delivering,” Mr Al Hawaj added.
The project extends beyond traffic solutions. Works include rehabilitation of surrounding intersections, expansion of sections of Arad Highway and Khalifa Al Kabeer Avenue, upgrading the existing marine bridge crossing at Arad, widening the water channel of Arad Bay to improve water flow and protecting local wildlife habitats.
It will also feature landscaping, beautification works and a modern rainwater drainage network in line with Bahrain’s sustainability commitments under Vision 2030.
The announcement comes as infrastructure development in Muharraq remains under sharp municipal focus, particularly following recent discussions at the Muharraq Municipal Council over the future of the iconic Falcon Monument and broader concerns about traffic pressure points surrounding key gateway routes into the governorate.
“With the first two phases already completed – including expansion of the Airport Highway opposite the new terminal into a three-lane corridor – Bahrain’s gateway city is rapidly undergoing one of its most significant transport transformations in decades,” Mr Al Hawaj said.
The ministry had earlier completed the first and second phases, which included revamping the existing road network to streamline traffic heading to the new Bahrain International Terminal, in addition to parking lots and other associated facilities.
A fourth phase would involve linking the Muharraq Ring Road and the Airport Highway by developing Avenue 20 running between the airport and Busaiteen.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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