The transport ministries of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain have invited firms to express interest in the development of the second causeway that will link both states and to the planned GCC railway network.

This will be followed by an industry briefing, according to sources familiar with the project.

Canada’s SNC Lavalin has completed the technical and financial feasibility study for the scheme in 2016.

While the results of the study conducted by SNC Lavalin have not been fully disclosed, it now appears that they include a recommendation for the construction of a structure that supports both road and railway traffic with the involvement of the private sector.

Bahrain’s Minister of Transport and Telecommunications Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed told MEED in March that they are considering partnership with the private sector in delivering the project.

It is understood that more than 10 million vehicles cross the existing King Fahd causeway each year and that the planned new causeway carries little uncertainty in terms of risk.

Mohammed has also said the planned GCC railway provides another opportunity in addition to the rising vehicle traffic to build a second causeway linking the two countries. “It is better to do it now when it’s cheaper than doing it later,” he told MEED.