Free-Flow Route Planned

Sea bridges, free-flow sections and new junctions are being studied for a northern coastal road running from Bahrain Bay to Marina, the Works Ministry has said.

The Bahrain Northern Link Road would follow Bahrain’s north coast, passing Nurana Island, Seef Marina and planned investment areas, and tie Manama’s eastern side to housing, tourism and trade sites further west.

Works Minister Ebrahim Al Hawaj gave the details in a written reply to MP Ahmed Al Salloom, who had asked about road and traffic works planned for 2026 to 2030, as well as the Northern Link Road project.

The ministry said the scheme is still in early studies and detailed planning. Work now under way covers possible routes, main junction sites, the number of lanes needed, and the form of each junction, based on expected traffic flows.

The main parts of the road are planned as free-flow stretches, reducing conflict points and keeping vehicles moving without the stop-start delays caused by junctions and traffic lights.

The project also includes a number of sea bridges and road links to the islands and districts north of Bahrain, along with connections to existing and planned roads across the kingdom.

A consultant is preparing a traffic impact study, including future traffic modelling tied to Bahrain’s approved traffic model. The work will measure likely effects on trip times, service levels on nearby roads, road capacity and the value of alternative routes for drivers.

A tender was issued in November 2025 to appoint a financial consultant for the project. The study will look at funding methods, delivery stages, traffic needs, chances for private sector partnership, and the wider economic and social return. The ministry said bids would be judged under the usual rules.

Al Hawaj said the northern road is among the projects listed in the ministry’s plans, with a role in completing a northern coastal corridor and allowing Bahrain’s road network to carry more traffic. It also ties in with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 and the strategic plan for 2030.

On the wider 2026 to 2030 road programme, the minister said the ministry has a number of road projects across the governorates, each at a different stage. Work will start on each scheme once final designs are ready, funding is approved and coordination with other government bodies is completed.

Preparatory work has begun on Budaiya Highway. Other schemes listed by the ministry include the first phase of Jaber Al Ahmed Al Sabah Highway, the fourth bridge between Manama and Muharraq, the junction of Shaikh Salman Highway and 16th December Highway, and the fourth phase of roads leading to Bahrain International Airport.

The list also includes Isa Town Gate junction and the widening of Shaikh Salman Highway, the second and third phases of Shaikh Jaber Highway, the junction of Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Bridge and Dry Dock Highway, King Faisal Highway, Wali Al Ahd Highway and Isa bin Salman Highway.