Dredging and reclamation work on a new BD94-million ($248 million) bridge in Bahrain linking Muharraq and Manama has started.

The 550-m bridge, which is the fourth of its kind between the two cities, is an extension of the 7.8-km-long North Muharraq Highway project, which also includes the 4.2-km-long Muharraq Ring Road.

Financing for the entire project, which will connect north Busaiteen and Bahrain Bay and comprising Phase Two of the North Manama Causeway project and Package One of the Busaiteen Link, is being covered by the Saudi Fund for Development.

Reclamation work started after two companies – Boskalis Westminster Contracting Company and Boskalis Westminster Al Rushaid Company – were selected by the Tender Board.

Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Essam Khalaf said that the first company will handle the first phase of reclamation work while the other will work on the second phase.

Khalaf added that the bridge, suspended 93 m over sea level, will have five lanes in each direction.

“The bridge is linked with two four-lane roads in each side, with the first being in east Al Saya until Diyar Al Muharraq and the second being between Bahrain Financial Harbour and Al Wajeha Al Bahria (Seafront District) nearby the Seef District,” he explained.

“The eastern side is part of the second phase of the north Manama Bridge,” Khalaf added.

The minister also revealed that the first phase of reclamation work will be completed in August.