BD29.19m project will widen 6.7km stretch to six lanes and replace four roundabouts

After more than two decades of studies, designs, approvals and tender procedures, work on the long-awaited Budaiya Highway development project has begun.

Barriers were installed along the route on Friday, with sections of the road reserve fenced off and prepared for widening works. Trees and palm trees within the project area have been relocated, while food trucks operating along both sides of the highway have been cleared from the site.

The most visible works are currently taking place between the Sar and Diraz roundabouts, while preparation and removal of encroachments are also under way elsewhere along the route. Utility lines, including electricity, water and underground services, are being relocated or protected in coordination with the relevant authorities.

The Ministry of Works signed the implementation agreement with Haji Hassan Al Aali Group on January 10 after awarding the contract for nearly BD29.19 million. The project is being carried out as part of the development of roads leading to Salman City and is funded by the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development.

The project covers 6.7 kilometres of Budaiya Highway, from its junction with Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Highway in the east to the Janabiya Highway junction in the west.

The highway will be widened from two lanes in each direction to three, creating six lanes in total. Four existing roundabouts will be replaced with signalised intersections, while the existing traffic signal at the Janabiya Highway junction will also be modified.

The upgrades are intended to improve traffic flow at key intersections and reduce waiting times during peak hours.