Bahrain is taking significant steps to improve access to Bahrain International Airport with the announcement of plans for three new flyovers aimed at alleviating traffic congestion for passengers and cargo operators alike.
The proposed development, presented by the Muharraq Municipal Council, seeks to create seamless travel connections, making it easier for residents and commuters to navigate their daily routes, particularly during peak times such as school runs and work commutes.
The three flyovers are designed to link crucial existing routes: the Shaikh Isa Bridge, which will connect King Faisal Highway and Busaiteen; the Shaikh Hamad Bridge, linking Al Fateh Highway with Muharraq; and a yet-to-be-named ring road that will stretch from Muharraq to Salman Town.
These enhancements are expected to provide much-needed relief to the often congested roadways leading to the airport, a hub that is critical to the country’s connectivity with the rest of the world.
One of the key developments related to this project is the decision to remove the 50-year-old Waterfall Monument on Khalifa Al Kabeer Avenue. This landmark has been identified as a barrier to the revamp of the roadways leading to the airport.
The removal of the monument is seen as a necessary step toward constructing a new flyover that will help smooth the notoriously uneven journey that travelers currently face when heading to the airport.
Council Chairman Abdulaziz Al Naar highlighted the challenges posed by urbanization and increasing traffic in metropolitan areas, stating, “The airport, serving as a key hub of global connectivity, witnesses a high volume of traffic, not only from travelers but also from logistical services, employees, and visitors.”
He emphasized that ensuring timely access to the airport is one of the country’s critical challenges and that these flyovers represent a promising solution.
“Airport access routes are typically prone to congestion due to a variety of factors such as peak flight schedules, inadequate road infrastructure, and heavy urban traffic,” Al Naar elaborated. The new flyovers are expected to bypass busy intersections and congested areas, facilitating a smoother flow of traffic.
The strategic construction of flyovers is anticipated to provide seamless connectivity between various parts of the city and the airport, minimizing stops at traffic signals and reducing ground-level road pressure.
“By directing vehicles over congested areas, flyovers significantly reduce traffic delays and bottlenecks,” Al Naar noted. This design is intended to help travelers bypass common points of congestion, thereby enhancing overall efficiency in transportation.
Al Naar pointed to successful examples from around the globe, citing cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Istanbul, where the construction of dedicated airport flyovers has streamlined traffic flow from city centers to airports, dramatically reducing travel times. He expressed optimism that similar results could be achieved in Bahrain.
Highlighting the benefits, Al Naar stated, “The flyovers act as arteries for major transportation routes, offering faster and more predictable travel times.”
He underscored the importance of time efficiency, especially for those with strict passenger check-in schedules. The new routes are expected to provide uninterrupted movement for vehicles, significantly benefiting travelers during peak hours.
In addition to improving access for travelers, the new flyovers are also designed to alleviate pressure on ground-level traffic, which is crucial for daily commuters.
By creating dedicated lanes for airport-bound vehicles, the plan aims to separate airport traffic from local traffic, thus enhancing the overall flow in urban areas.
The environmental implications of this project have also been considered. Al Naar noted that reducing the time vehicles spend idling in traffic jams would lead to lower fuel consumption and emissions.
“Flyovers have a positive environmental impact,” he asserted, emphasizing that the long-term benefits outweigh the initial construction costs. This perspective aligns with broader goals of promoting environmental sustainability within the region.
The council is eager to see the government commit to the ambitious timeline for constructing the flyovers, hoping to see all three projects completed within the next decade.
“We are happy that work is set to begin on a new flyover from Muharraq directly to departures, but three other flyovers are needed,” Al Naar remarked, reinforcing the urgency of the situation.
The Gulf Daily News previously reported that the third phase of the airport roads development plan would include a flyover built in the Falcon monument junction area, allowing direct access to the departures terminal without requiring drivers to navigate to Arad Bay for a U-turn.
Moreover, the fourth phase of the development plan will focus on linking the Muharraq Ring Road with the Airport Highway by developing Avenue 20, which runs between the airport and Busaiteen. This comprehensive approach to infrastructure development is expected to transform the current traffic landscape.
The Works Ministry has already made progress on the first two phases of the project, which involved significant upgrades to the existing road network to improve traffic flow heading to the new airport terminal.
The first phase included converting Road 2403 into a one-way street, while the second phase replaced the airport’s roundabout with traffic lights and expanded Khalifa Al Kabeer Avenue and Arad Highway.
With the latest flyover proposal now referred to the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak, the project awaits review by Works Minister Ibrahim Al Hawaj.
If approved, these new flyovers will represent a transformative step toward alleviating traffic congestion in Bahrain and enhancing access to one of the nation’s most vital transport hubs.
In summary, the initiative reflects Bahrain’s commitment to modernizing its infrastructure to keep pace with increasing urbanization and traffic demands.
As plans unfold, residents and travelers alike eagerly anticipate the benefits of these new routes, which promise to provide a smoother, more efficient journey to the airport and beyond.