THE total cost of Qatar-Bahrain Causeway, one of the longest bridges in the world, is likely to be in the tune of $5 billion, which will be the largest amount of money spent on any causeway, according to newspaper reports.

Construction work of the causeway is expected to start before the end of 2011 and conclude in 2015. The causeway will be the most costly strategic project at world standards, the Peninsula newspaper said, quoting a Bahraini source associated with the project.

Construction plans were delayed many times for new designs and amendments were introduced to the project. The total cost is between $4-5.5 billion and expected to rise to $5 billion to meet the cost of new designs, construction materials and other development projects, the source told the newspaper.

Also known as the Friendship Bridge, the Qatar–Bahrain causeway is 40 km long and includes four vehicle lanes and two railways. A consortium of Al Diyar Real Estate Company, Vinci Grand Projects, French Contracting Company, German Hochtief Company, Consolidated Contractors International Company in Greece and Middle East Dredging Company, will be in charge of construction work.

Qatar is expected to provide the bulk of the cost beside Bahrain, according to bankers. Construction work is expected to finish in four to five years. The causeway starts from Askar village located in the eastern side of Bahrain to Ras Ishairij in Qatar.

The causeway is expected to achieve economic integration and sustainable development between the two states. More investments from Qatar in terms of real estate and stock market will be attracted to revive business and development of eastern and south-east areas in Bahrain. Transport costs and services and commodities values will be reduced in the long run. About 4,000 vehicles are expected to pass daily through the causeway after completion and the figure is expected to rise to 12,000 by 2050.