Argentinian football icon Lionel Messi made the Number 10 shirt famous for moments of brilliance on the field of play.
But Salmabad’s own Number 10 has become notorius for something far less magical – daily traffic ‘Mess-iness’.
Road 10, known locally as ‘Messi Road’, passes through the permanent Farmers Market and has long frustrated motorists with bottlenecks, congestion and confusing traffic movements instead of dazzling footwork.
Now, that could finally change.
Years of motoring meyhem on the busy stretch linking Blocks 704 and 714 could soon become history after the Works Ministry confirmed plans for a major overhaul designed to transform one of the area’s busiest corridors.
The upgrade follows a proposal submitted by the Northern Municipal Council, with financial, administrative and legislative committee chairman and area councillor Dr Salman Abdulla recently inspecting the site accompanied by the GDN.
In a reply to the council, Works Ministry Under-Secretary Shaikh Mishal bin Mohammed Al Khalifa confirmed that a comprehensive traffic study had been completed.
“The study recommends separating local traffic from through traffic by introducing a dedicated service road on the northern side of Road 10,” Shaikh Mishal said. “It also proposes the construction of several roundabouts to improve turning movements and better connect the internal road network.”
He said the project would significantly increase the road’s carrying capacity, improve traffic flow and enhance road safety for thousands of motorists using the route every day.
“Preliminary designs have already been completed,” Shaikh Mishal added. “Implementation will proceed once detailed engineering designs are finalised, approvals from the relevant service authorities are secured and the necessary financial allocations become available.”
Road 10 is one of Salmabad’s most heavily used routes, serving motorists travelling to the Falcon Club, the permanent Farmers’ Market and then into mainstream traffic of the Sultan Mall, the Labour Ministry, Zayed Town and surrounding residential and commercial developments.
Dr Abdulla welcomed the ministry’s response, describing it as long-awaited relief for residents, shoppers and businesses.
“Anyone who uses this road knows the daily struggle,” he said. “Traffic builds up quickly, especially during weekends and peak hours, with vehicles competing to enter commercial areas and residential streets.”
He said the proposed service road and additional roundabouts would create smoother traffic movement while reducing conflict points that currently cause delays and increase accident risks.
“This is not simply about easing congestion,” Dr Abdulla said. “It is about creating a safer and more organised road network that matches the rapid growth taking place in Salmabad and the surrounding areas.”
He added that the road’s strategic location means improvements would benefit thousands of commuters every day.
“For years motorists have joked about ‘Messi Road’, but the reality has been one of traffic messiness rather than football magic,” he said. “We are pleased that practical solutions are now moving forward, and we hope implementation will begin as soon as the remaining procedures are completed.”
He said once completed, the project is expected to transform one of the Northern Governorate’s busiest commercial gateways into a safer, faster and more efficient route for residents and visitors alike.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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