A 12-KM stretch of Bahrain’s northern shore will be developed with a new BD100-million ($263.6 million) coastal highway, connecting the Seef District and the Northern Town being built on reclaimed land off the coast of Duraz.

As a first step, the government must first buy up around 200 plots of private seafront land to pave the way for the major traffic artery, which will run parallel to the Budaiya Highway and Al Nakheel Highway.

It has taken 12 years for authorities to agree on a route and finalise plans for the highway to the Northern Town, which is currently under construction. Municipalities and Urban Planning Affairs Minister Dr Juma Al Ka’abi revealed negotiations to purchase private land stretching from Karranah to Duraz would begin as soon as field evaluations were completed.

He estimated work could begin by the end of next year on the new highway.