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Bahrain-Qatar Causeway will be complete by 2013
Construction on the Qatar-Bahrain Causeway, which is all set to be the largest man-made bridge in the world, is due to begin in January 2009, and will be complete by 2013, it has been announced.
As per the media reports, the project worth $3bn will have its conceptual designs ready by October, with basic designs to be complete by December.
The Causeway, better known as Friendship Bridge, will comprise two lanes in addition to an emergency lane in each direction, with each measuring 40km in length, 35m wide, and 22km of bridges, 18km embankment, as against the 25km Bahrain-Saudi Causeway with 12km of bridges.
Another noteworthy aspect of the construction is the provision for telecommunication and electricity lines. The fibre optic cables will be inside the bridge girders.
The agreement entered into by the Qatar-Bahrain Causeway Consortium (QBCC) with Causeway Foundation, led by French Company, Vinci Construction Grand Projects, follows commencement of construction in January The other companies included in QBCC are the German-based Hochtief, QDVC, CCC from Athens, and Middle East Dredging Company.
The Causeway will reduce the transit time between Qatar and Bahrain considerably (current 5hours will be reduced to 30minutes), and hence has been described by Sheikh Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifah, the Bahraini Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander, as "outstanding landmark in bilaterial co-operation – the largest joint project ever." It is an embodiment of deep-rooted ties and reflection of family kinship.
However, the project designers COWI have revealed that stringent environmental necessities will be imposed on the project to ensure that the Causeway does not interfere with the delicate balance in the Gulf of Salwa, a home to the endangered dugong.
Also, strict environmental restrictions will be implemented during excavation works, to ensure that no spillage destroys any sea coral, for instance.
According to the company, the most challenging task in the project would be timely completion, as completing the project within such short time duration would be very demanding. The 22km length of the bridge connection itself would require 880 bridge girders, involving highly professional production methods and effective transport and installation, all of which should be a part of the design.
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