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An iRAP assessment and capacity building project has kicked off in Bahrain aiming to eliminate high-risk roads in the country led by the Ministry of Works supported by the Saudi Technical Engineering Consultants and University of Zagreb Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences (FPZ)

The project includes the Star Rating of 800+ kilometres of roads, 100+ kilometres of designs and 10 schools, as well as training of Ministry staff in use of the iRAP Methodology and tools to analyse road safety and inform the development of Safer Road Investment Plans to achieve the 3-star or better safety standard.

Dr. Marko Sevrovic, associate professor from FPZ led the kick-off iRAP training workshop in Manama last week attended by 30 engineers and road safety practitioners.

Local engineers attend the Crash Risk Mapping Practical Workshop in Bahrain
(Image credit: Marko Sevrovic, FPZ)

“It is estimated that road crashes claim nearly 10,500 fatalities and injuries each year in Bahrain at a cost of $1.1 billion to the country’s economy.

“It’s a pleasure to see this important road safety project underway and be supporting the Ministry towards the development of a locally led BahrainRAP Road Assessment Programme to reduce road trauma in the country,” Mr Sevrovic said.

Hussain Sharqi, Civil Engineer with the Ministry of Works attended the training and said, “I had the opportunity to participate in the valuable workshop focused on enhancing road safety across Bahrain through the International Road Assessment Programme. The discussions were insightful, covering innovative approaches and best practices to improve road safety and reduce accidents. It was a great experience to learn from experts and collaborate on strategies to make our roads safer for everyone,” he said.

According to iRAP’s Safety Insights Explorer, achieving UN Target 4 for greater than 75% of travel on 3-star or better roads for all road users in Bahrain by 2030 stands to save an estimated 46,300 lives and injuries over the 20-year life of road treatments with an economic benefit of USD$240.7 million – $14.20 for every $1 spent.