Solar panels to provide shade for pedestrians on iconic bridge

AN ICONIC bridge that connects two of the largest cities in Bahrain will be powered by green energy.

Solar panels will be installed across the planned 550m crossing, the fourth structure to connect Manama with Muharraq.

The panels will also serve as a canopy for a dedicated pedestrian walkway incorporated on the structure.

The bridge, which will be suspended 93 metres above sea level, will have five lanes for vehicles in each direction.

Officials yesterday revealed that work will soon start on the BD94m project which is set to become a “regional monument”.

It will connect commercial districts and reduce traffic congestion, say planners.

Sustainable Energy Authority (SEA) president Dr Abdulhussain Mirza remotely held a meeting with Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Essam Khalaf to discuss the use of solar panels in the project.

“The new bridge will be powered by clean energy generated through solar panels installed on it,” said Dr Mirza.

“The best design is being chosen that meets technical and engineering requirements and the energy generated by the panels will be enough to light up the bridge.”

The officials discussed a presentation by a consultancy appointed by SEA to carry out the task.

“We continue to work with different government agencies to provide clean energy solutions for existing and future projects. We hope to achieve national goals in the field of renewable energy, in line with Bahrain’s 2030 Economic vision,” added Dr Mirza.

 

Mr Khalaf, left, holds a virtual meeting with Dr Mirza to discuss the new sea bridge

 

Mr Khalaf said they are keen to work on green infrastructure projects.

“This is the first renewable energy project in the roads department as previous projects covered buildings and other sectors,” he said.

“The solar panels will meet the daily energy requirements of the bridge and serve as a canopy for pedestrians, who can use the walkway during the day and enjoy the sea front view.”

Harmony

The panels’ design would be in harmony with the structural layout of the project.

Mr Khalaf said the state-of-the-art bridge – part of the Muharraq ring road, which extends across North of Muharraq and Manama – will serve as a new regional monument in the Arabian Gulf. It is an extension of the 7.8km-long North Muharraq Highway project, which also includes the 4.2km-long Muharraq ring road.

The bridge will connect Al Saya with the Bahrain Financial Harbour and north Busaiteen with Bahrain Bay.

Financing for the project is being covered by the Saudi Fund for Development.

Reclamation and dredging work started last year as the new bridge has a 150m-long opening for vessel movement along with a 40m-wide and 10m-long sea access.

 

Source: http://www.gdnonline.com/Details/874127/Solar-panels-to-provide-shade-for-pedestrians-on-iconic-bridge

 

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