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Work on two major road expansions – announced six years ago – may start early next year, it has emerged.
The project, expected to cost BD25 million, is aimed at tackling congestion on Budaiya and Janabiya highways.
Budaiya Highway, from Burgerland roundabout to Budaiya, is expected to cost BD14m and the Janabiya Highway in expected to cost BD11m, according to Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry officials.
The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development will pay for the revamp, as part of a $10 billion financial support package pledged to Bahrain by GCC allies.
Both highways will get two extra lanes, becoming three-lane highways in each direction.
MPs and municipal councillors claim the project was being delayed due to problems acquiring private property.
“Both highways are an artery to Northern Governorate areas including Salman Town,” said the ministry’s roads, planning and design director Maha Hammada.
“Plans to expand them are continuously being updated depending on circumstances related to acquiring private property with 18 pending, exchanging government plots and finding alternative solutions,” she added.
“The relocation of services is another issue but we are addressing this.
“The designs are being finalised and we are aiming to begin work, first on Janabiya Highway, early next year.”
Northern Municipal Council chairman Ahmed Al Kooheji said the expansion of the highways has dragged on for a very long time.
“The expansions of the highways should have come a long time ago; the area has a dense population and there is traffic congestion at all hours,” he said.
“There are problems acquiring private property, an issue that has remained unresolved for years.”
The expansion of the highways was first announced in 2014, but has since been held up due to a lack of funding.
However, work on new sewage networks and electricity and phone cables will be completed in the next few months, clearing the way for the expansion to begin.
“Both the highways will have three lanes in each direction,” said Mr Al Kooheji.
“There will also be roads to areas that are currently inaccessible from the highway.
“The project includes improving existing intersections near Salman Town, adding new ones and providing new exits and entrances for villages if it is necessary and improves access.
“The project will also include rainwater channels on Janabiya Highway, as well as improved lighting, beautification and relevant safety requirements.”
Parliament public utilities and environment affairs committee vice-chairman Ahmed Al Demistani said the more the project gets delayed, the more becomes difficult it becomes.
“Even with detours and using other routes, like Al Nakheel Highway, we believe there will be disruption to people’s lives,” he said.
“Budaiya Highway stretches from Naim to Budaiya and this expansion only covers part of the actual problem; we are still waiting for the whole highway to get fixed.”
Meanwhile, a separate proposal to build a new road connecting Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Highway with Saar Avenue is still under discussion.
The government-proposed project has been backed in principle by the council and would provide an alternative route for traffic heading to villages such as Al Hajar, Shakura, Abu Saiba and Maqaba.
Councillors have suggested closing the current intersection between Avenue 13 and Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Highway if the project goes ahead. However, no decision has yet been taken.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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