Vinci to build world’s longest bridge linking Qatar to Bahrain
09 May 2008
Vinci Construction Grands Projets, leader of a consortium of construction companies, and Middle East Dredging Company (Medco, a subsidiary of Vinci Group company,CFE) have signed the design-build contract for the causeway between Qatar and Bahrain with the Qatar-Bahrain Causeway Foundation. The contract is worth $3 billion.
The Qatar–Bahrain causeway project calls for the design and construction of a 40 km two-lane dual carriageway motorway between Qatar and Bahrain. The road will run over a total of 18 km of embankments where the sea is shallow and 22 km of viaducts and bridges over deep water, including two 400 metre cable-stayed bridges over shipping channels.
The Friendship Bridge will create a direct link between Qatar and Bahrain, promoting trade and travel between the two countries. At present, the journey by road takes five hours; with the causeway, it will only take about 30 minutes. The project will have to comply with stringent environmental standards and ecological requirements.
The construction company joint venture comprises Vinci Construction Grands Projets (leader), QDVC (a Qatari subsidiary owned 51 per cent by Qatari Diar and 49 per cent by Vinci Construction Grands Projets), Hochtief and CCC. The dredging will be carried out by Medco.
Work will start after nine months of studies and will be completed in 51 months.