The Muharraq-Arad Bridge project has entered its preliminary design phase, with the Works Ministry confirming that the initiative remains a strategic priority.
The scheme is intended to enhance access to East Hidd Town while easing traffic congestion across the Muharraq Governorate.
In a letter to the Muharraq Municipal Council detailing the latest developments, Works Ministry Under-Secretary Shaikh Mishal bin Mohammed Al Khalifa said that the project to develop Road 47 in Arad – including the construction of a connecting bridge – constitutes a key component of the ministry’s long-term infrastructure plans. “It’s one of the strategic initiatives included in the ministry’s plans and represents a fundamental phase in developing access points to East Hidd Town,” Shaikh Mishal said. “It will play an important role in enhancing infrastructure and strengthening connectivity between the areas of the Muharraq Governorate.”
He explained that the bridge is designed to create a main alternative route linking Road 46 with Khalifa Al Kabeer Avenue, a move expected to significantly improve traffic flow and reduce congestion in the area.
“By providing an additional strategic link, the project will improve the efficiency of the road network and offer smoother movement for road users,” he said.
According to Shaikh Mishal, the scheme is currently at the preliminary design stage, with intensive co-ordination underway between the ministry and utility service providers to ensure that proposed engineering solutions are compatible with existing infrastructure.
Shaikh Mishal
“Several design alternatives are being studied to achieve the highest levels of traffic efficiency and safety, while taking into account expected population growth and urban expansion in the area,” he said.
The update comes amid growing calls from municipal leaders for the project to be fast-tracked, given increasing traffic volumes and ongoing development in East Hidd and surrounding areas.
Shaikh Mishal reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to delivering projects that support sustainable urban development.
“Our aim is to implement infrastructure solutions that meet future demand and ensure safe, efficient movement for all road users,” he said.
He added that once the design phase is completed and co-ordination with service authorities concluded, the project is expected to move to the next stages of approval and implementation, bringing renewed hope for improved connectivity in one of Bahrain’s fastest-growing urban areas.
Muharraq Municipal Council chairman Abdulaziz Al Naar welcomed confirmation that the project remains on the ministry’s agenda, but urged officials to move decisively towards implementation.
“This project is vital for residents of Muharraq and East Hidd, and the need for it is becoming more urgent with every passing year,” Mr Al Naar said. “We appreciate the planning efforts, but we hope to see tangible progress and clear timelines so that congestion issues can be addressed without further delay.”
He said the bridge would provide much-needed relief to existing roads, which are struggling to cope with rising traffic generated by housing developments and commercial growth.
“An alternative access route will ease daily traffic pressure and improve quality of life for residents, while also supporting economic activity in the area,” he added.
The Muharraq-Arad Bridge is seen as a key component in broader plans to modernise the governorate’s transport network, particularly as East Hidd Town continues to expand. Residents and commuters have long complained of bottlenecks during peak hours, with limited entry and exit points compounding delays.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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