King Fahd Causeway traffic congestion: Crossing time reaches 69 minutes and traffic details

The King Fahd Causeway, the vital artery linking Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, experienced heavy traffic congestion. Time clocks and real-time tracking applications recorded a significant increase in expected crossing times, reaching up to 69 minutes to complete travel procedures and cross to the other side. This congestion coincided with the bridge's usual peak traffic hours, reflecting the high volume of travelers between the two neighboring countries.

The King Fahd Causeway is considered one of the most important land crossings in the Middle East. It is not merely a route for passage, but a symbol of the deep fraternal and historical ties between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Officially opened in 1986, the 25-kilometer-long bridge is a monumental engineering achievement that has radically transformed the social and economic landscape of both the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Bahrain.

From an economic and tourism perspective, the causeway plays a pivotal and indispensable role. It is the lifeblood of Bahrain's tourism sector, with a significant portion of the Bahraini tourism economy relying on visitors from Saudi Arabia, particularly during weekends, holidays, and peak seasons. Annual statistics indicate that millions of travelers and vehicles cross this crossing, making it one of the busiest bridges in the world.

The King Fahd Causeway Authority is continuously working to develop the bridge's infrastructure and facilitate traffic flow by increasing the number of lanes and implementing smart gates and modern technologies to reduce waiting times. Despite these efforts, peak hours remain a challenge due to the enormous number of travelers wishing to spend time between the two countries.

It is worth noting that future plans between the two countries include ambitious projects to enhance this connection, most notably the future King Hamad Causeway project, which is expected to be an alternative to the King Fahd Causeway, and will include lanes for cars and a train for passengers and goods, which will contribute to relieving the current pressure and further enhancing trade and economic exchange, so that this artery continues its vital pulse, driving the wheel of development in both countries.