Motorists battling daily congestion on Zallaq Highway could soon get some relief, with University of Bahrain (UoB) preparing to open its eastern gate in a move aimed at improving access to the campus and easing pressure on surrounding roads.
The proposed entrance, overlooking Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Highway, is being developed in co-operation with the Works Ministry, with work tentatively scheduled to begin in February 2027 during the spring break.
Southern Municipal Council member and area councillor Hamad Al Zoubi said the project would provide a more convenient route for students travelling towards Manama and Muharraq while reducing the burden on existing university entrances and traffic signals.
“The eastern gate will help improve access to the university and ease congestion on Zallaq Road, particularly for students heading towards Manama and Muharraq,” he said.
“It will also reduce pressure on the other entrances and traffic signals serving the university, helping improve traffic movement throughout the surrounding area.”
Mr Al Zoubi discussed the congestion problem and possible solutions during a meeting with university specialists at its Sakhir campus yesterday.
He said the university had confirmed its co-operation with the Works Ministry to advance the eastern gate project, which forms part of wider efforts to improve traffic circulation around the campus.
Under the preliminary plans, the entrance will be supported by additional internal exits and a roundabout to help distribute traffic according to motorists’ destinations.
Students travelling towards Riffa will be directed separately from those heading towards northern areas, particularly Manama and Muharraq, allowing traffic to disperse more efficiently rather than converging around the existing access points.
Plans are also being considered to widen some entrances at the university’s western gate, further improving the movement of vehicles entering and leaving the campus.
Mr Al Zoubi said the combination of the new eastern entrance, improved internal roads and changes to traffic distribution could make a significant difference to students and other road users.
“The proposed improvements are important not only for university students but also for motorists using the surrounding roads,” he said.
“We want to see practical solutions that make daily journeys easier, reduce congestion and improve road safety.”
He stressed that the municipal council was committed to working alongside the university and the Works Ministry to accelerate the project and ensure that the planned improvements moved forward as quickly as possible.
“The municipal council has an important role to play in bringing the relevant parties together and following up on issues that directly affect residents and road users,” he said.
“We will co-ordinate with the Works Ministry to help speed up the process and open the eastern gate at the earliest possible opportunity.”
Mr Al Zoubi also thanked Bahrain University for its co-operation and constructive response to the traffic concerns raised.
He said the collaboration demonstrated the importance of government institutions and municipal representatives working together to address problems affecting the public.
“This kind of responsible co-operation is a model of national partnership in serving Bahrain and its citizens,” he said.
While the February 2027 start date remains a preliminary target, Mr Al Zoubi said the proposed eastern gate could be a significant step forward for students and motorists who have long faced traffic bottlenecks around the university.
“If delivered alongside the planned roundabout, internal exits and western gate improvements, the project could provide a more efficient way to reach the campus and help ease congestion on one of the area’s key roads.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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