Shaikh Hamad Avenue upgrade to add parking

TDT | Manama

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Work is to start on a half-kilometre overhaul of Shaikh Hamad Avenue in Muharraq, in a scheme meant to add parking, ease traffic and smarten one of the old city’s main routes.

Abdulaziz Al Naar, chairman of Muharraq Municipal Council, said the Works Ministry would carry out the upgrade from Avenue 10, at the western end of Muharraq Souq, to Shaikh Isa Avenue in the east.

The work will bring new pavement layouts, extra parking bays, changes to some junctions and entrances, tree planting, street furniture and frontage works.

Mr Al Naar said the aim was to improve the look of the area while keeping faith with Bahrain’s old architectural style.

Shaikh Hamad Avenue runs through a busy part of Muharraq, where rising car use has put strain on roads, shopfronts and access to nearby services.

Mr Al Naar said the works would deal with traffic pinch points, improve road safety and make it easier for drivers and pedestrians to reach shops, homes, public buildings and other facilities.

He said the plans had been drawn up with Muharraq’s heritage in mind.

The city’s old character, he added, would be kept while road works and safety needs were met.

Mr Al Naar said the council would keep working with government bodies to follow the project under the agreed timetable.

He said the scheme would help improve life in Muharraq and support its standing as a city shaped by heritage and renewal.