Work is progressing well on the expansion of Wali Al Ahad Highway at the section located between Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Highway flyover and the Clock Roundabout to the East in Riffa area of Bahrain with more than 70 per cent of the project already completed.

Work is presently underway to implement a storm water drainage network on both directions, in addition to civil works, laying of two asphalt at some parts, construction of side pavements and concrete wall along the central reservation, said the Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning.

Wali Al Ahad Highway witnesses a traffic volume of around 73,000 vehicles daily and contains a number of important facilities and institutions on both sides, it stated.

"Work comprises expanding the highway to three lanes at each direction and revamping all intersections along the highway, re-constructing the highway infrastructure, constructing brick pavements, implementing a storm water drainage network, lighting, signage and protecting the existing services, said Ahmed Al Khayyat, the works affairs undersecretary of the ministry, after inspecting the project site.

According to him, the biggest challenge expected during the upcoming stage of implementation is the transfer and protection of services, especially when working close to high voltage ground cables.

"However, most services have already been transferred, which will reflect positively on work progress," he added.-TradeArabia News Service