Bahrain authorities have started work on the revamping of Ghous Avenue Interchange with the Airport Highway in the Muharraq governorate of the kingdom.

The project is one of 11 projects aiming to alleviate traffic congestions, which is being implemented until other mega development projects take place, said a statement from Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning.

"The plan is considered to be a short-term one and is part of a bigger plan to improve the roads network, as part of $1.2 billion development projects included within the GCC Development Programme," remarked Essam bin Abdulla Khalaf, the Minister of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning.

Explaining the project, Al Khalaf said it aims to serve citizens and residents and goes in line with the kingdom’s vision and strategy to improve the roads network.

"Two lanes are allocated to turn left from Sheikh Isa Causeway, while a lane is extended to reduce speed for those turning right from the causeway," he noted.

Khalaf pointed out that 51,000 vehicles use the avenue on a daily basis.

"During the morning peak hour, the number of vehicles is estimated to be 7,400 vehicles per hour, which is 40 per cent of the capacity for the avenue. The current waiting time during peak hours is 160 seconds, while following the revamp of the interchange it will decrease to 130 seconds; with 20 per cent improvement once the project is completed," he added.-TradeArabia News Service