Qatar Bahrain Causeway: Update

The Qatar Bahrain Causeway

Here at MENA Infrastructure, we are big fans of impressive feats of construction, and currently they don't get much bigger than the Qatar Bahrain Causeway (also known as the Qatar Bahrain Friendship Causeway). The bridge, when finished, will span the Gulf between Qatar and Bahrain and will be 40km in length, making it the world's longest bridge.

The US$3 billion project is currently on schedule to begin construction this year, but discussions are continuing about rail usage on the bridge.

When we reported on the bridge last year, we stated that the Qatar Bahrain  Causeway would also feature a 13 metre wide railroad bridge indicating that trains would be able to use the bridge as well as cars.

However, today comes news that talks are still continuing regarding the 'type of train' that will be used, delaying construction and possibly raising costs.

Rising costs and delays

Cost has been a major concern, with costs yet to be fully finalised. Although the US$3 billion price-tag is an initial estimate, prices are expected to rise and Bahrain and Qatar have only allocated a budget of US$500 million to start the project thus far.

Despite this work seems to be progressing, with Vinci, the world's largest builder, already having a team on site, according to Bahrain Finance Ministry Undersecretary Arif Saleh.

If construction does proceed this year, it is expected to last 51 months (four and a half years). When finished, travel to and from Bahrain by car is expected to be reduced from four-and-a-half hours to around 30 minutes.

According to an estimate, the volume of traffic on the causeway is expected to be around 10,000 to 12,000 vehicles a day. The bridge will also feature 18km of roadway on embankments in areas where the water is shallow, and 22km of viaducts and bridges over deep water.

The Qatar Bahrain Causeway was conceived as way to improve infrastructure connections between Qatar and the island kingdom of Bahrain, as well as other members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Update on delays (10/06/2010)

According to Jaber Ali Al Mohannadi, general manager of the Qatar Bahrain Causeway, the project could face greater delays due to protracted negotiations over its cost and design.

"It's taking more time. We are negotiating the price and there are some technical and financial issues."

The project, first announced in 2001, has been dogged by spiraling cost and delays partly due to the decision two years ago to add freight and passenger rail lines.

Relevant articles:

Transport infrastructure in the Middle East | The stadiums of Qatar's 2022 World Cup bid | Work begins on Qatar's epic rail project

Timon Singh

Timon Singh is a graduate of Liverpool University where he received a degree in Social and Economic History. He has previously worked for BBC Magazines on BBC Who Do You Think You Are? Magazine, the publication for the popular genealogy show.

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