Muharraq: Ibrahim bin Hassan Al Hawaj, Minister of Works, announced the start of main works for the road development project leading to Bahrain International Airport - Phase 3A. He highlighted that this strategic government project aims to improve the road network and its efficiency, ensuring smooth traffic flow and easy access to the airport and its facilities.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Minister Al Hawaj said that the project will enhance infrastructure in Muharraq Governorate by reducing congestion on Arad and Khalifa Al Kabeer highways, meeting population growth, urban expansion, and citizens' expectations. He added that it supports sustainable development goals and Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030.
The Works Minister explained that Phase 3A at the Falcon Intersection includes full upgrades, such as rehabilitating the intersection and parts of Arad and Khalifa Al Kabeer highways. He noted that the works involve constructing a new free left-turn bridge on Khalifa Al Kabeer highway at its junction with Arad highway and upgrading the existing waterway on Arad highway.
The project also includes landscaping and beautification works, along with a modern stormwater drainage system meeting approved engineering and environmental standards.
Minister Al Hawaj underlined the ministry's commitment to reduce congestion and improve flow on main roads. The intersection's capacity is expected to rise from 5,250 to around 16,000 vehicles per hour after completion.
The Minister added that the project was awarded by the Tender Board to a consortium of Nas Contracting (Bahrain) and Nassir Hazza and Brothers (Saudi Arabia), at a cost of 26 million Bahraini dinars, supported by the Saudi Fund for Development.
Earlier phases involved rebuilding Road 2403 opposite the new airport building, widening it to three lanes plus a service road, and converting the VIP roundabout was converted into a signalised circular intersection.