Bahrain’s busiest gateway, the King Fahad Causeway, could be set for major infrastructure improvements this summer in a move aimed at enhancing safety and easing the flow of traffic for both commuters and goods.
The proposed revamp – which includes resurfacing lanes and potentially tackling drainage issues – is being spearheaded by area councillor Mohammed Al Dossary, who believes that urgent action is needed to respond to rising complaints from motorists.
“The summer months are the least congested of the year – and I say least, not light – because even in the off-season, traffic on the King Fahad Causeway remains substantial,” Mr Al Dossary told the GDN. “This is the only window of opportunity available where work can be carried out with minimal disruption.”
Motorists and commuters have repeatedly voiced concern about the deteriorating road surface along key stretches of the causeway.
The bumpy conditions, according to Mr Al Dossary, not only affect driving comfort, but pose a safety hazard.
“People are complaining that the lane layers are worn out and uneven, causing discomfort and, in some cases, near-accidents,” he said.
“We need to peel off the old layers and replace them with high-quality material that can withstand the intense usage this artery sees year-round.”
Mr Al Dossary added that while the immediate focus is on resurfacing, additional infrastructure components should be considered.
“This is a strategic lifeline for the kingdom – I believe the work should also include improvements in rainwater drainage,” he noted.
“But I understand that for now, the priority should be what can be completed quickly without harming the traffic flow of passengers and goods.”
According to the King Fahad Causeway Authority, over 27 million passengers crossed the causeway in 2024 – a new post-pandemic high – with an average of 74,000 travellers daily, and weekend peaks reaching over 100,000.
The causeway also handled over 2.1m cargo vehicles last year, reinforcing its role as a critical trade route.
Mr Al Dossary believes this growing volume underlines the urgency of infrastructure investment.
“We are not only looking at today’s traffic but preparing for tomorrow’s. With the rising population, tourism growth and expanded trade links, the demands on the causeway will only increase.”
The initiative has won the backing of the Northern Municipal Council chairman Dr Sayed Shubbar Al Wedaie, who stressed that the repairs are long overdue and should not be delayed any further.
“This isn’t just a road – it’s a vital corridor for tourism, trade and family connectivity between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia,” Dr Al Wedaie said.
“The condition of the asphalt is simply unacceptable for a route of this importance.”
He praised the move for being timed strategically during the summer months, when volumes drop slightly due to school holidays and reduced business travel.
“Even a 15-20 per cent drop in traffic can give engineers the margin they need to work safely and efficiently,” he added. “But there needs to be clear planning and good communication with the public – to avoid any potential chaotic scenes.”
The proposal is now under review with the relevant ministries and the King Fahad Causeway Authority.
“This is not just about fixing a road. It’s about investing in the artery that connects us to the region and sustains much of our economic and social interaction,” said Dr Al Wedaie.
“We have to treat it as such – with urgency, seriousness and long-term vision.”
The surface of the causeway is under constant observation, roadside and from satellite monitoring, the authorities say, to detect surface wear and to track structural integrity to ensure smooth and safe transportation.
Built in the 1980s, the King Fahd Causeway is a 25 kilometres long structure composed of bridges and embankments. It features 12km of twin box girder viaducts, 13km of embankments, three flyovers and several artificial islands.
As reported in the GDN, there are also plans to build the $4 billion King Hamad Causeway linking Bahrain with Saudi Arabia.
The strategic artery, which will run parallel to the existing King Fahad Causeway, will allow travel for passenger trains, freight trains as well as vehicles.
The new construction, which will be part of the proposed GCC Railway, will ease traffic pressure on the existing causeway and boost trade exchanges.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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