The BD33 million ($87.8 million) Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Causeway project linking Manama and Hidd is to be completed before National Day (December 16) this year, it was revealed.

On completion, a major contract will be awarded for the long-term improvement of Mina Salman junction with a new flyover and an underpass, said Works and Housing Ministry assistant under-secretary for Roads Essam Khalaf.
Construction of the BD14.5 million marine bridge, which is part of the project, was completed last year. It will accommodate 6.4 km of dual three-lane highway and provide vital service corridors between the two islands.
The landmark Mina Salman Gate will be demolished within two months to complete work on the highway linking the new causeway, Khalaf said.
Work is now in progress on four contracts associated with the causeway project, which include: the road from drydock highway to the marine bridge, the road from the marine bridge to Mina Salman, temporary improvement to the Mina Salman junction and work to clear old buildings and services for the new corridor, he said.
In addition, two giant golden globes are to be mounted on monumental towers gracing the new Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Causeway project. The towers will be erected on the approaches to the causeway and work has already been completed on the towers at the Manama end.
“Each of these towers feature a cluster of curved steel columns which taper to a pinnacle at the top, mounted with a golden globe giving the impression of a pearl,” said Arthur Briggs of Hyder Consulting Middle East.
The towers themselves are 18 m high and the globes have a 2.7 m steel frame. They are covered with multi-faceted tiles.