Bahraini authorities said that work on the expansion of Wali Al Ahad Highway in Riffa area of the kingdom was moving at steady pace with nearly 28 per cent of the project already completed.

Work on the expansion of Wali Al Ahad Highway in Riffa area - targeting a crucial part located between Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman Highway flyover and the Clock Roundabout to the East - is progressing well with nearly 28 per cent of the project already completed.

The BD1.96 million ($5.16 million) project involves expansion of the highway into three lanes in each direction and revamping of all intersections along the highway, in addition to re-construction of the highway infrastructure, construction of brick pavements besides implementation of a storm water drainage network, lighting, signage and protecting the existing services, stated Essam bin Abdulla Khalaf, the Minister of Works, Municipalities Affairs & Urban Planning.

He was speaking after touring the project site along with other ministry officials.

The Minister inspected the ongoing work including the implementation of storm water drainage network on both directions, civil works, reclamation and laying of asphalt at some parts, construction of side pavements and construction of concrete wall along the central reservation.

On the project's significance, Khalaf said: "Wali Al Ahad Highway is considered to be a main artery road that connects Riffa to Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman Highway and Hamad Town."  

"The highway witnesses a traffic volume of around 73,000 vehicles daily and contains a number of important facilities and institutions on both sides, such as the Bahrain Defence Force Hospital, the Military Consumer Association, the Southern Governorate Security Police Department, the Supreme Council for Women, Wadi Al Sail Mall, Wadi Al Sail School, Wadi Al Sail Housing Project and other important establishments," he added.-TradeArabia News Service