A BD2.7 million ($7.16 million) project in Bahrain to replace a major roundabout with traffic lights, is due to be completed by November, said a Works Ministry spokesman.

"There will be some inconvenience to the public as work progresses because the traffic volumes on the highway are very high," he added.

"There will be delays and there will be some chaos but this will end once work is completed. This will be done all across the length of the road, from the Isa Town Gate Interchange to the Al Hekma junction.”

The work on the Estiqlal Highway, opposite the Central Informatics Organisation building, being undertaken by local contracting company Bahrain Asphalt, involves rehabilitation of major parts of the highway.

He explained the removal of the roundabout was necessary due to continuous traffic jams, especially during rush hours.

The project will also involve the installation of pedestrian fences along the highway to increase safety.

"Since the project scope impacts a number of services, there will be protection and/or diversion of existing services that may cause some inconvenience to the public," he said.

"The ministry staff responsible for the supervision of the project, together with the contractors' site team will co-ordinate and co-operate to make sure that these challenges and other critical issues are addressed and the project is given the right support."

The spokesman confirmed many palm trees along the highway would be removed as part of the work.

"The ministry is, however, liaising with the Municipalities and Urban Planning Affairs ministry to implement a new landscaping scheme," he said. – TradeArabia News Service