BRDM - 2018 - Vol1 - Part1 - Introduction

BAHRAIN ROADS DESIGN MANUAL
Part 1 Introduction
1st Edition
2018
Kingdom of Bahrain Part 1 Introduction Roads Design Manual
Document Control
Client The Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain, as represented by

the Ministry of Works, P.O. Box 5, Bahrain
Title Bahrain Roads Design Manual
Subtitle Part 1 Introduction
References Prepared and published by AECOM
Contract Number RPD-11/050 (March 2012)
Edition 1st
Revision 00
Issue Date 2018
Roads Design Manual Part 1 Introduction Kingdom of Bahrain
Summary
This Introductory Part sets the context for the Bahrain Roads Design Manual (BRDM). It
describes how and why this Manual has been revised from the 1993 version.
It describes the responsibilities, context, purpose, use, limitations and scope of the Manual,
explaining why the Designers of all road projects in the Kingdom must follow these
standards.
It explains how the Manual is based on the concept of sustainable safe road design.
Designers and others involved in road design projects in Bahrain are encouraged to
embrace this approach. It includes a section which identifies the guidance throughout the
Manual on designing to meet the needs of all road users, including people with disabilities.
It describes a number of the Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning
(MOWMAUP) procedures and processes that apply to roads planning, design, construction
and maintenance including the CPO planning procedures, the Quality Management System
and the Project Management System.
It sets out the procedures for seeking approval from the Ministry on Relaxations of and
Departures from the standards set out in this Manual when it is not possible to comply
entirely with them due to external constraints including pre-existing development or
topography.
It summarises of the contents of the rest of the Manual describing what each Part covers.
It sets out the procedures for publishing and updating the Manual. The publication of the
Manual will primarily be through electronic versions available through the MOWMAUP
website but hard copies will also be available.
It explains the version control and change management procedure which will be managed
by a dedicated Manual Manager reporting to the Chief of Road Design and a Technical
Standards Committee.
1st Edition 1 2018

Figure 0.1 King Hamad Highway
Figure 0.2 Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Highway
Figure 0.3 Shaikh Salman Highway
2018 2 1st Edition

Contents
The Bahrain Roads Design Manual

The Bahrain Roads Design Manual has been prepared and published in 18 separate parts
grouped together in a thematic structure to make it easier to use and manage.
Part Title
PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ROAD PROJECTS
1 Introduction to the Bahrain Roads Design Manual
2 Planning Procedures
3 Scheme Appraisal
4 Design & Implementation Procedures
5 Road Safety
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ROAD PROJECTS
6 Road Geometry
Chapter 1: Introduction and General Design Criteria
Chapter 2: Link Design
Chapter 3: Cross Section Elements
Chapter 4: Junction Type, Size and Choice
Chapter 5: Design of Priority Junctions
Chapter 6: Grade Separated Junctions and Interchanges
Chapter 7: Roundabouts
Chapter 8: Signal Controlled Junctions (including Signalised Roundabouts)
Chapter 9: Highway Features
7 Geotechnical Investigation
8 Pavement Design and Rehabilitation
9 Road Drainage
10 Minor Road Structures
11 Street Lighting
12 Environmental Assessment & Design
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
13 Traffic Signs and Road Markings
14 Traffic Signals and Control Equipment
15 Road Safety Barriers
16 Traffic Management at Road Works
ROAD MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
17 Road Maintenance
DRAWINGS
18 Standard Details
1st Edition 3 2018

Part 1 Introduction
The contents of this Part are:
Summary .................................................................................................................................. 1
Contents ................................................................................................................................... 3
The Bahrain Roads Design Manual ..................................................................................... 3
Part 1 Introduction ................................................................................................................ 4
List of Tables ........................................................................................................................ 5
List of Figures ....................................................................................................................... 5
Glossary ................................................................................................................................... 7
Definition of terms widely used in this Manual ..................................................................... 7
Abbreviations widely used in this Manual .......................................................................... 26
1 Introduction..................................................................................................................... 31
1.1 Responsibilities ..................................................................................................... 31
1.2 Context for this Manual ......................................................................................... 31
1.3 Vision for the Future of the Highway Network in Bahrain ..................................... 32
1.4 The purpose and application of this Manual ......................................................... 33
1.5 The use of the Manual .......................................................................................... 33
1.6 Limitations ............................................................................................................. 34
1.7 The scope of the Manual ...................................................................................... 35
2 Design Philosophy ......................................................................................................... 37
2.1 Sustainable safe design ........................................................................................ 37
2.2 Meeting the needs of all road users (including those with disabilities) ................. 37
3 MOWMAUP Procedures and Processes ....................................................................... 41
3.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................... 41
3.2 Enterprise Document Management System ......................................................... 41
3.3 Central Planning Office Procedures ..................................................................... 42
3.4 Quality Management System................................................................................ 43
3.5 Project Management System................................................................................ 43
4 Procedures for dealing with Relaxations and Departures .............................................. 45
4.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................... 45
4.2 Relaxations ........................................................................................................... 45
4.3 Departures ............................................................................................................ 46
4.4 Aspects not covered by Standards ....................................................................... 46
4.5 Justification for Relaxations and Departures ........................................................ 47
4.6 Non-Compliance with Standards .......................................................................... 47
4.7 Interpretation of the Manual .................................................................................. 48
5 Content of the Manual .................................................................................................... 49
5.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................... 49
5.2 Procedural requirements for Road Projects ......................................................... 50
5.3 Technical requirements for Road Projects ........................................................... 52
5.4 Technical requirements for Traffic Management .................................................. 61
5.5 Road Maintenance Requirements ........................................................................ 65
5.6 Drawings ............................................................................................................... 66
6 Procedure for Publishing and Updating the Manual ...................................................... 68
6.1 Responsibilities for the Manual ............................................................................. 68
6.2 The Format of the Manual .................................................................................... 68
2018 4 1st Edition

6.3 Changes to the Manual ........................................................................................ 68

6.4 Technical Standards Committee (TSC) ................................................................ 69
6.5 Legislation............................................................................................................. 70
References ............................................................................................................................. 71
List of Tables
Table 4.1 Terms expressing mandatory requirements and advisory guidance ..................... 48
Table 5.1 Maintenance requirements within other Parts of the Manual ................................ 65
List of Figures
Figure 0.1 King Hamad Highway ............................................................................................. 2
Figure 0.2 Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Highway ...................................................................... 2
Figure 0.3 Shaikh Salman Highway ......................................................................................... 2
Figure 0.4 Shaikh Salman Highway ....................................................................................... 29
Figure 0.5 Dry Dock Highway ................................................................................................ 29
Figure 0.6 Gulf of Bahrain Avenue ........................................................................................ 29
Figure 1.1 Road Map of Bahrain (National Planning & Development Strategy – 2030
(MOWMAUP, 2007) ............................................................................................................... 36
Figure 2.1 Reef Island Crossing ............................................................................................ 40
Figure 2.2 Reef Island Crossing ............................................................................................ 40
Figure 3.1 Andalus Junction .................................................................................................. 44
Figure 3.2 Andalus Junction .................................................................................................. 44
Figure 4.1 CIO Junction at ISA Town .................................................................................... 48
Figure 4.2 CIO Junction at ISA Town .................................................................................... 48
Figure 5.1 Mina Salman Industrial Road ............................................................................... 67
Figure 5.2 Mina Salman Industrial Road ............................................................................... 67
1st Edition 5 2018

[There is no other text on this page]
2018 6 1st Edition

Glossary
Each Part of this Manual includes a Glossary defining the special terms and abbreviations
particularly relevant in that Part of the Manual. In order to assist the reader or user of this
Manual:
(i) Terms (and abbreviations) that appear in many Parts are defined in Part 1, but not
in the individual Parts.
(ii) Terms (and abbreviations) that appear in several Parts are defined in Part 1, as
well as the relevant individual Parts.
(iii) Terms (and abbreviations) that only appear in a few Parts are only defined in those
Parts where they occur.
If the reader encounters a term which is unfamiliar, or wants a precise definition, then the
recommended approach is to:
(i) Look in the glossary for that Part

(ii) Look in the glossary in Part 1
(iii) Search on the internet (or in a dictionary of technical terms).
Definition of terms widely used in this Manual
TERM DEFINITION
85th Percentile Speed The speed at or below which 85% of the vehicles are travelling.
Abutment Abutments are the solid structures at each end of the bridge that
support the bridge deck and retain the soil behind them.
Acceleration Lane A speed change lane to enable a vehicle entering a road to
increase its speed to merge with through traffic.
Access Road Road providing access to a local area or individual properties from
a local, distributor or other road.
Accident Collision or crash where a driver fails to cope with the road
environment and strikes another vehicle, person or object causing
personal injury.
Actions A word used in Eurocodes with a special meaning to describe the
forces acting on structures (the term formerly used in BS was
“loading”).
Adverse Camber Camber, (also known as Negative Camber), which slopes outwards
rather than inwards on a curve, causing vehicles to lose stability, to
slide or topple over. Uncomfortable for drivers.
Annual Average Daily Total one-way traffic volume in a period of one year, divided by the
Flow (AADF) number of days in the year.
Annual Average Daily Total two-way traffic volume in a period of one year, divided by the
Traffic (AADT) number of days in the year.
Approach (1) The part of a road that leads towards a road junction.
(2) A road that leads to a set of traffic signals where the traffic
signal aspects relate specifically to all traffic on that carriageway.
An Approach may have one or more lanes and movements of
traffic.
1st Edition 7 2018

TERM DEFINITION
Approval in Principle The document which records the agreed basis and criteria for the
detailed design or assessment of a highway structure. (see Part 10)
Arterial (Road) A road primarily for the movement of through traffic, which also
gives limited access to abutting properties as a secondary function.
Access is generally controlled by at-grade intersections (signalized
or roundabouts) but grade separated intersections are also used.
Arterial roads normally link Collectors with other Arterials or
Motorways.
Asset Management A strategic approach that identifies the optimal allocation of
resources for the management, operation, preservation and
enhancement of infrastructure to meet the needs of current and
future customers.
Asset Management The hardware and software that supports Asset Management
System practices and processes and stores the asset data and information.
At-grade Junction A junction where all carriageways join or cross at the same level.
(At-grade intersection is the North American term) (see Part 6)
Auxiliary Lane The portion of the carriageway adjoining the travelled way for
weaving, truck climbing, speed change, or for other purposes
supplementary to through traffic movement.
Biodiversity Biodiversity is the degree of variation of life. It can refer to genetic
variation, species variation, or ecosystem variation within an area.
Black Spot An accident black spot is a part of the road network where road
accidents have clustered within 20 m of each other. This
information is generally collected from GDT.
Block Paving A surface constructed from tessellated or interlocking blocks,
normally of clay or concrete.
Boundary Fence A fence used to delineate and separate private property from the
road right of way.
Braking Distance The distance required to stop a vehicle from the time at which
brake application begins.
Bridge Structure supporting a road or pedestrian walkway over an area to
be crossed.
Bus A heavy vehicle designed for the transport of passengers, generally
on a public transportation basis.
Bus Stop A designated place for buses in service to set down and pick up
passengers.
Camber Camber may refer to a variety of curvatures and angles.
(1) The convex curvature of a road surface in road construction.
(2) A slight arch designed or built into a structure to compensate for
the natural deflection which will occur after loading is applied (pre-
camber).
Capacity The maximum number of vehicles that have a reasonable
expectation of passing over a given section of a lane or road during
a given time period under prevailing road and traffic conditions. It is
normally given in units of vehicles (or Passenger Car Equivalent
Units) per hour (per lane).
2018 8 1st Edition

TERM DEFINITION
Capping (layer) Primarily referred to now as Subgrade Improvement; Capping was
the term used in the Bahrain Roads Design Manual dated May
1993. An intermediate layer of the pavement foundation between
the natural subgrade and the subbase. Typically a layer of cheaply
available but relatively stronger material used to cap a weaker
subgrade. This layer not only serves to strengthen the subgrade,
but also protects the road formation during construction.
Car park British term for an area of land remote from the roadway, or part of
a building, set aside for the parking of vehicles. The equivalent
North American term is parking lot.
Carriageway The part of a road intended for vehicles rather than pedestrians.
(The North American term is “roadway”) It consists of a width of
road on which a vehicle is not restricted by any physical barriers or
separation to move laterally. A carriageway generally consists of a
number of traffic lanes together with any associated shoulder.
Central Island A kerbed and usually paved island in the middle of a road and
intended to separate traffic flows.
Central reserve This term is commonly used in the UK (and elsewhere) to refer to a
strip of land between the two carriageways of a divided road (dual
carriageway). In Bahrain, as in America, it is usually referred to as
the median, or the median strip.
Centreline (1) The centreline of the road right of way.
(2) For an undivided road, the centreline is the middle of the
travelled way. For a divided road the centreline is usually but not
always in the middle of the median. For a divided road with two
independently designed pavements, each pavement has its own
centreline.
(3) The defined and surveyed line shown in the plans from which
the highways construction is controlled.
Chamber In general use, a room, a compartment, a cavity. An excavated,
lined, compartment, generally large enough for human access.
Channel (1) A paved and generally shallow open watercourse.
(2) The lower edge of the surface of a pavement; the gutter if the
road is kerbed.
Chartered Engineer Engineer who has worked in various aspects of the profession
since graduation and has passed the exams and experience tests
required by a professional institution.
Clear Zone An area adjacent to the outer edge of the pavement within which
obstructions should not be sited. Where any obstructions must be
protected by Safety Barriers.
Collector (Road) A road which provides land access and traffic circulation service
within residential, commercial and industrial urban areas or in
scattered rural area, Collectors generally link Local Roads with
Arterials.
Collector-Distributor (C- A road parallel to a main highway on which merging, weaving and
D) Road diverging movements take place, clear of through traffic on the
main line.
Collision Accident, incident or crash where a driver fails to cope with the
road environment and strikes another vehicle, person or object
causing personal injury.
1st Edition 9 2018

TERM DEFINITION
Column (lighting Support structure for a luminaire
column)
Conspicuity The property of being clearly discernible (easily seen), the state or
quality of being clear or bright. So large objects are more
conspicuous than small ones, and bright objects more conspicuous
than dim ones. Important for traffic signs and road markings, which
depend on drivers seeing them if they are to be effective.
Consultant A person or organisation employed to provide technical support
and advice, including the preparation of designs.
Contractor The organisation undertaking the various phases of a scheme
which might include design, construction and/or maintenance.
Contra-flow The use of a traffic lane or carriageway to carry vehicles in the
opposite direction to its normal operation.
Control System A method of co-ordination of any system usually by reference to a
central controlling centre.
Controller The logic equipment that contains the algorithm for controlling the
signalised intersection.
Cost Benefit Analysis Cost benefit analysis, sometimes called benefit–cost analysis, is a
systematic process for calculating and comparing benefits and
costs of a project.
Crash Collision, accident or incident, where a driver fails to cope with the
road environment and strikes another vehicle, person or object
causing personal injury.
Crossfall The gradient measured across the width of a section of pavement.
This is normally downwards from the centreline of undivided roads
and from the inner edge of each carriageway on dual carriageway
roads but on curves superelevation may be applied downwards
from the outside edge of the curve.
Crossover The means by which traffic using one carriageway of a dual
carriageway road is switched across the central reserve in order to
use the opposite carriageway.
Crossroads A four-leg priority junction, usually with the intersection at right
angles.
Crown (1) The crown is the highest point of a transverse profile of a road
pavement which falls outwards each way from the crown.
(2) The crown is the highest point of the external surface of a pipe
or arched culvert at any cross-section.
Culvert An enclosed conduit, circular, oval or rectangular in cross section,
for conveying a watercourse or ditch drain, below the carriageway
or adjacent ground.
Cut (or Cutting) The excavation needed to construct a road below natural ground
level.
Cycle lane A separate part of the roadway or footway set aside for use by
cyclists (either exclusively, or on a shared use basis).
Cyclist A pedal cyclist (non-motorised road user).
Data Numbers, words, symbols, pictures, and so on, without context or
meaning.
2018 10 1st Edition

TERM DEFINITION
Departure (Departure Criterion, which departs from, or is an aspect not covered by, the
from Standard) standards contained in this Manual.
Design Life The number of years of intended service life of a facility before the
first major rehabilitation or reconstruction.
Design Organisation Any organisation that carries on a trade, business or other
undertaking in connection with which designs are prepared.
Design Speed A speed selected for purposes of design and correlation of the
geometric features of a road.
It is the highest continuous speed at which individual vehicles can
travel with safety when weather conditions are favourable, traffic
density is low and the geometric design features of the highway are
the governing conditions for safe speed.
Design Team The group of engineers and other professionals responsible for the
design. It may comprise an appropriate mix of specialists under the
direction of a Design Team Leader.
Design Vehicles Selected motor vehicles whose weight, dimensions, and operating
characteristics are used to establish highway design controls for
accommodating vehicles of designated classes.
Design Year The future year whose predicted traffic levels are used to design a
road facility. A time 10 to 20 years from the start of construction is
usually used for roadway design, longer periods are used for
structures.
Designer Any person who carries on a trade, business or other undertaking
in connection with which he prepares a design or arranges for any
person under his control (including, where he is an employer, any
employee of his) to prepare a design.
Desire line Line likely to be taken by pedestrians finding the shortest route
between two points.
Detectors Devices that detect vehicles approaching or waiting at a junction.
Commonly these are in the form of induction loops cut into the
carriageway.
Ditch A trench in the ground for drainage, often parallel to the
carriageway. This may be lined.
Diverge A movement in which a single stream of traffic separates into two
streams travelling in different directions without the aid of traffic
control devices.
Diversion The transfer of traffic from one road onto another, usually in order
to allow road works to be carried out. The term is also used to
describe the transfer of traffic from one carriageway of a dual
carriageway road onto the other carriageway which is then used
temporarily as a two-way road. It does not mean the closure of
one or more lanes on a road if the traffic is still able to use a lane
that remains open.
Divided Road North American term for a road with a median separating two
streams of traffic travelling in opposite directions. The equivalent
British term is a dual carriageway road.
Downstream (1) The direction towards which water is flowing.
(2) On roads, the direction towards which traffic is flowing.
Driveway North American term for the connection between the roadway and
the boundary of adjoining private property served by the road.
1st Edition 11 2018

TERM DEFINITION
Dual carriageway road British term for a road comprising separate carriageways divided by
a central reserve or median strip. The equivalent North American
term is divided road.
Earthworks The cut and fill necessary to construct the road.
Embankment A raised earth structure, normally carrying a road.
Emergency Vehicles Vehicles belonging to the armed forces, civil defence, police, fire
service or ambulance service; or any other designated vehicle used
for answering emergency calls for assistance.
Eurocodes This term relates to European Standards for design also known in
the UK as design “Codes of Practice”.
European Standard A standard drafted by a technical committee and adopted as a
(EN) national standard by members belonging to CEN.
Execution General meaning: The carrying out of a plan, order, or course of
action.
More specifically it is the term used in Eurocodes to refer to the
“doing” (i.e. execution) of a project. It mainly relates to the
construction stages of a project (as opposed to the planning and
design stages).
Exit The point at which traffic leaves one road to travel to another.
Fence A physical item placed within the road corridor to define an area or
to contain a use.
Fill The material used to construct an earthwork or embankment
Flare (1) The approach to a junction where the roadway is widened and
deflected to enable more than one vehicle to approach the stop line
or to accommodate larger vehicles.
(2) The lead-in to a safety barrier installation, in which the barrier is
sited progressively closer to the edge of the pavement.
Fluorescence The property of certain materials that absorb radiation in the shorter
wavelengths of the visible spectrum and in the invisible ultra violet
region, and re-radiate it as visible light. Fluorescent materials used
on traffic signs or high-visibility clothing increase their brightness
significantly, especially at dusk, but are ineffective at night when
there is little ultra-violet radiation present.
Footbridge A Bridge provided for the exclusive use of Pedestrians.
Footpath Footpaths are provided specifically for the use of pedestrians either
as routes on their own or within the overall road corridor, but
remote from the road edge, separated from the carriageway by
wider landscaped areas.
Footway Footways are those parts of the road set aside for use by
pedestrians only. They are pedestrian ways which abut the
carriageway next to the kerb, or follow the line of the carriageway
with a narrow verge between.
Foundation Generally in a highway structure, that part of the substructure in
direct contact with, and transmitting load to, the ground.
Frequency Generally, the rate at which something occurs over a particular
period of time or in a given sample.
Specifically the number of times a thing occurs within a defined
period of time (the inverse of return period).
Gantry A signal or sign support structure spanning above a road.
2018 12 1st Edition

TERM DEFINITION
Grade The profile of the centre of the carriageway, or any other assigned
reference line or, in North American usage, its rate of ascent or
descent (the British equivalent is gradient).
Grade separation A place where one or more traffic streams crosses above or below
other traffic stream(s) by means of a bridge or similar structure.
Where one road crosses over (or under) another and may involve
the use of at-grade junctions (which may be priority junctions,
roundabouts or a signal controlled junctions) at the commencement
or termination of slip roads.
Gradient An inclined part of a road, a slope, specifically measured as the
rate of ascent or descent.
Grading (1) Arrange in or allocate to grades; classify or sort;
(2) Preparation of road formation up to subgrade level;
(3) In North American use relating to the centreline profile (grade)
of the road.
Gully A small chamber at the side of the road connected to a drainage
system to receive surface water and to trap debris. The gully is
usually surmounted by a surface grating. A gully may incorporate a
sump to retain sediment.
Gutter A channel formed where the surface of the carriageway meets the
kerb for carrying surface water drainage. Also known as the edge
channel.
Hard Shoulder A longitudinal paved area, usually not as wide as a traffic lane,
provided on the inside or nearside of a high speed road for the use
of broken down vehicles to stand clear of the carriageway whilst
being tended to.
Hard Strip A narrow strip, usually but not exclusively on the offside of the
carriageway intended to provide some additional paved area for
broken down vehicles on most types of road so as to allow the
remaining traffic to pass safely without being unduly delayed.
Hazard A hazard is any feature (for example, a steep slope away from the
road) or object (for example, a sign column) that could cause harm
or loss to an errant vehicle and its occupants, if the vehicle were to
enter the feature or strike the object.
Headroom The minimum available vertical clearance above the road
pavement where the road passes under a bridge or other overhead
structure.
Heritage Heritage refers to something inherited from the past. This includes
the natural Heritage (fauna and flora, geology, landscape and
landforms, and other natural resources) and the cultural Heritage
(physical artefacts and man-made heritage).
High-speed road A road with a permanent speed limit of 80 km/h. or more.
Highway Generally a road provided, usually at public expense, for use by
vehicles of all types and pedestrians to move about.
In Bahrain, a major public road. (Highway is used as part of the
road name in Bahrain, for example Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman
Highway)
1st Edition 13 2018

TERM DEFINITION
Highway structure A generic term, referring to any structure associated with a road or
highway.
Specifically any structure or installation coming within the scope of
this Manual and situated under, over or adjacent to any road
designated by the MOWMAUP.
Horizontal Alignment The geometry of the road in the horizontal plane.
Horizontal Curve A circular or transition curve by means of which a road changes
direction to the right or left.
Industrial Area That portion of land in which the dominant land use is light or heavy
industry and belonging to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Information A collection of numbers, words, symbols, pictures, and so on, that
have meaning, in other words, information is data with context.
Interchange An Interchange is a grade separated junction that provides free
flow from one mainline carriageway to another.
Intersection The North American term for a place where two or more roads
meet (or intersect). The equivalent British term is junction.
Inventory A complete list of the stock of the road network (infrastructure
asset) items (such as roads, structures, fittings, etc.) .
Invert The invert is the lowest point of the internal surface of a pipe or
culvert at any cross-section.
Island An area (usually raised) within the road pavement, not intended for
vehicular use.
Junction The British term for a place where two or more roads meet (or join).
The equivalent North American term is intersection.
Kerb A structure with a vertical, sloping or horizontal face placed along
the edge of a pavement, forming part of a gutter and strengthening
or protecting the edge and controlling access.
Knowledge The understanding of information through assessment, analysis,
and so on, that provides a basis for making decisions.
Lamp An electrical component that produces light when a current is
passed through it.
Land Acquisition Land Acquisition means acquiring land for road improvement
and/or new road alignment by the government/government agency,
as authorized by the law, from the individual landowner(s) after
paying government compensation in lieu of losses incurred by land
owner(s) due to surrendering of land to the government agency.
Landscaping The use of the physical landform and structures, street furniture,
and planting to enhance the appearance of a road.
Lane (1) A portion of the road provided for a stream of traffic travelling in
single file in one direction.
(2) Also used as a British term to describe a very narrow (single
track) road.
2018 14 1st Edition

TERM DEFINITION
Level of Service (1) A term which, broadly, denotes the combination of operating
conditions that occurs on a given road or lane when it is
accommodating various traffic volumes, and is used to measure the
quality of service.
(2) A statement of the performance of the asset in terms that the
stakeholder can understand. It covers the condition of the asset
and non-condition related demand aspirations.
Levels of Service typically cover condition, availability, accessibility,
capacity, amenity, safety, environmental impact and social equity.
Light vehicle A vehicle less than 1.5 tonnes.
Lighting column Support structure for a luminaire.
Local Road The lowest class of road intended for short journeys only. Its
primary function is to provide access to adjoining land.
Loop (1) A road which leaves and then re-joins another road.
(2) A ramp which turns, typically through 180 to 270 degrees,
turning continuously to achieve a U-turn or left turn manoeuvre.
Lorry A mainly British term for a heavy vehicle engaged primarily in the
transport of goods and materials, or in the delivery of services other
than public transportation.
Truck is an equivalent North American word.
Luminaire An enclosure that houses a lamp and reflector system that controls
and directs light in a given direction (also known as a Lantern).
Main Line The continuous through alignment of the major road at a junction
(or intersection).
Maintenance A collective term used to cover all the activities and operations
undertaken to manage and maintain a highway, such as inspection,
assessment, renewal, upgrade and so on.
Manhole A chamber constructed to give access to a drain, sewer or other
underground service.
Median North American term, commonly used in Bahrain, to denote the
portion of a dual carriageway (divided road) which separates the
two opposing traffic flows. The equivalent British term is central
reserve.
Merge The converging of two separate streams of traffic into a single
stream without the aid of traffic signals or other right-of-way
controls (such as Give Way or Stop signs).
Merging The movement of vehicles from one lane into another by moving
into gaps between vehicles
Micro-simulation Type of transport model where the movements of individual
vehicles are represented on the network using car following, lane
changing and gap acceptance rules.
Monitoring Observation or measurement repeated periodically or continuously
over time.
Motorway A multi-lane, divided road, designed to the highest standards, to
move large volumes of traffic at speed under free flow conditions.
Motorways have continuous hard shoulders and full control of
access, with all junctions being grade separated. (The term
preferred in Bahrain for freeway or expressway).
1st Edition 15 2018

TERM DEFINITION
Nearside The side of the vehicle or road nearer to the verge (away from the
driver in a conventional left-hand drive vehicle). In Bahrain also
known as the outside of the road.
Network All the interlinked roads of various classes in a defined area.
No Parking Where vehicles may stop for as long as is necessary to allow
passengers to get out of the vehicle or to get into it, but drivers are
not permitted to park (leaving the vehicle unattended) except as
might be permitted by any exception plates.
No Stopping Where vehicles are not permitted to STOP for any purpose, (except
possibly to allow loading and unloading if this exception is shown
on the sign). Except in an emergency, drivers must not stop their
vehicles unless directed to do so by the police.
No Waiting Where vehicles may stop for as long as is necessary to allow
passengers to get out of the vehicle or to get into it, but are not
permitted to wait (with the driver remaining in or near the vehicle)
except as might be permitted by any exception plates.
Noise Barrier A structure or earthwork intended to deflect or attenuate sound.
Offside The side or the vehicle or road further from the verge (adjacent to
the driver in a conventional left-hand drive vehicle). Also known in
Bahrain as the inside of the road.
One Way Street/Road A road of one or more lanes along which vehicles are only allowed
to travel in one direction.
Operating Speed The highest overall speed at which a driver can travel on a given
road under favourable weather conditions and under prevailing
traffic conditions, without at any time exceeding the design speed
on a section-by-section basis.
It is usually close to the 85th percentile speed – the speed at which
85% of drivers feel comfortable driving.
Outfall An outfall is defined as the point where the road drainage system
discharges into a third party system such as a watercourse, tidal
waters or sewer.
Outlet An outlet is a point item that enables water to flow from a sub-
surface continuous item (such as pipework or a culvert) to a
surface continuous item (such as a ditch) or area item.
Outside Lane In Bahrain, the traffic lane furthest from the middle of a dual
carriageway road or the centreline of a single carriageway
(undivided) road.
(In the UK DMRB defined in the opposite sense, as the lane
nearest to the median.)
Over bridge (or A bridge OVER the road being considered. A bridge that may
Overbridge) restrict the headroom or sight distance of the road being
considered.
Parapet The vehicle-restraining barrier erected longitudinally along the edge
of a bridge structure.
Parking Bay The area marked out for the parking of a single vehicle, or a line of
vehicles in single file.
2018 16 1st Edition

TERM DEFINITION
Pass (or overtake) In general, to go past or across; to leave behind or on one side in
proceeding.
Specifically in traffic a manoeuvre in which one vehicle following
another moves laterally into an adjacent lane, increases relative
speed until it is ahead and moves back into the original lane.
Passive safety Passively safe items are designed and constructed so that they will
detach or yield under vehicle impact, absorbing energy and slowing
a vehicle in a controlled way and thereby reduce injury risks to
vehicle occupants.
Pavement (1) The part of a road, including shoulders, designated for vehicular
use.
(2) The durable material placed on an area to support traffic on foot
or in vehicles, such as on a road or footway.
Pavement Foundation The natural subgrade soil (cut or fill), subgrade improvement (if
used) and subbase or road base (wet mix) comprise the Pavement
Foundation. This is the platform upon which the more expensive
and structurally significant layers are placed.
Paver A block, normally made of clay or concrete, used to provide a
pedestrian or vehicular surface.
Pedestrian A person travelling on foot.
Pedestrian Crossing An area of pavement distinctly indicated for the use of pedestrians
wishing to cross the road.
Pedestrian Fence A fence used to contain and channel the movement of pedestrians.
Pedestrian guardrails These are barriers (colloquially known as fences) intended to
prevent pedestrians stepping from a footway into a carriageway
(roadway).
Pedestrian Refuge An island anywhere within the road to provide a safer place for
pedestrians to wait.
Pedestrian Restraint Two types of Pedestrian Restraint Systems are specified. These
System (PRS) are pedestrian guardrails and pedestrian parapets.
Pelican (crossing) A type of Pedestrian Crossing, remote from a junction with
red/amber/green and flashing amber signals facing drivers, and
crossing side red figure and steady or flashing green figure signals
where vehicles are permitted to move subject to giving way to
pedestrians (PEdestrian LIght CONtrolled crossing)
Performance Class Performance Class generally relates to test requirements in
European standards (EN).
(1) Performance class of road safety barrier end terminals is
defined in ENV 1317-4 and prEN 1317-7.
(2) Performance class of retroreflective road studs is set out in EN
1463-1 and 1463-2.
Performance Level Performance level generally relates to the measured performance
of an attribute of something. Specific levels of performance are
given in EN 1317-2 for the main criteria relating to the restraint of a
road vehicle.
Performance Measure A generic term used to describe a measure or indicator that reflects
the condition and/or performance of an asset.
1st Edition 17 2018

TERM DEFINITION
Phase (traffic signals) Sequence of conditions applied to one or more lanes of traffic or
pedestrian movements which, during the cycle, receive
simultaneous identical signal indications.
Pier The column or other similar isolated support for a bridge.
Pinch point A traffic calming device wherein the road is deliberately made too
narrow to permit two-way operation.
Pipework Commonly, the pipes that make up a network.
Specifically, the pipes that make up (part of) a road drainage
system, conveying surface water runoff.
Planned Maintenance Planned work that is required due to those parts of the highway that
have become unserviceable because of general wear or tear or
due to a major upgrade or change to parts of the highway. (This
excludes work associated with accident damage which is covered
by routine maintenance).
Planning Permission A process in Bahrain whereby designs for all road projects are
passed on to all affected utility agencies early in the project, in
order to obtain their comments/proposals and incorporate their
requirements into the design. This is done by using a standard
form.
Planter A container, usually in a pedestrian area, within which vegetation is
grown.
Planting The provision of vegetation within the road corridor.
Plinth Generally, a heavy base supporting a structure or object.
Specifically an upstand on the edge of a structure upon which a
vehicle or pedestrian parapet is mounted.
Posted Speed North American term for the speed limit displayed to drivers by
means of road signs. The equivalent British terms are speed limit
or signed speed limit.
Practicable Capable of being put into practice with the available resource at a
reasonable price and within a reasonable period of time.
Principles Generally, the fundamental truths or propositions that are the basis
for a chain of reasoning. Has a particular meaning in relation to
Eurocodes as defined in EN 1990 (see Part 10 of this Manual)
Priority Junction An at-grade junction in which one road is given priority over another
by means of Give Way or Stop road signs.
Professional Engineer Engaged in engineering as one’s main paid occupation rather than
as an amateur. (See also Chartered Engineer).
Profile The longitudinal or cross sectional shape of a road.
Proposal Generally a plan or suggestion, especially a formal or written one,
put forward for consideration by others.
Specifically the proposal relating to the design of a highway
structure covered by Part 10 of this Manual.
Queue A line of stationary or slow moving vehicles waiting to proceed.
Queue Length The road space occupied by a queue, from front to back.
2018 18 1st Edition

TERM DEFINITION
Ramp (1) A short segment of road, usually one way, serving as a
connecting link between two roads. (Sometimes referred to as a
Slip Road).
(2) A short roadway connecting two levels of a Multi-storey Car
Park.
(3) A sloped area of a footway/footpath to enable the disabled to
move about more easily.
(4) A slope provided up or down to a garage or other building
alongside the road.
Reaction Time The time required for a driver to apply foot pressure to the brake
after he has perceived that he must stop or slow down. (The
distance travelled during this time is normally augmented by that
travelled during the Perception Time in order to obtain the
Perception-Reaction Distance).
Recovery Area An area, designed to permit over-running by vehicles.
Residential Area Those areas of a municipality where the dominant land use is
residential, but where there may also be small business units.
Retaining Wall A vertical or near-vertical wall used to hold a cutting or an
embankment.
Right of Way The full width of the road corridor between its outer boundaries.
Risk A risk is the probability (or chance) high or low, of the harm or loss
actually occurring. It is measured in terms of a combination of the
likelihood of an event and its consequence.
Risk Analysis A systematic use of available information to determine the
magnitude of the consequence of events and their likelihood, to
establish the level of risk.
Risk Assessment The process by which risk evaluations (judgements) are made.
Includes determination of activity objectives, stated or inferred
obligations and stakeholder expectations and risk tolerance.
Risk Management The cultures, processes and structures that are directed towards
the effective management of potential opportunities and threats.
Risk Management The systematic application of management policies, procedures
Process and practices to the tasks of, establishing the context, identifying,
analysing, evaluating, treating, monitoring and communicating risk.
Road A general term denoting a public way for purposes of vehicular
travel including the entire area within the corridor reservation.
Road Base (Wet Mix) The name for the top layer of the pavement foundation (Subbase is
an alternative option).
Road Category Road Class (type) within the Bahrain Road Hierarchy
Road Hierarchy Roads fulfil a number of functions. For efficient use of the road
network it is necessary in the design process to give priority to
different functions in different element within the road network. The
Road Hierarchy sets out the different emphases that should be
placed on the various functions of the design for each category of
road.
Road Hump A locally raised area of pavement which can only be crossed
comfortably by vehicles travelling at very low speeds. Used in
traffic calming schemes on local access roads in mainly residential
areas.
1st Edition 19 2018

TERM DEFINITION
Road Marking A method of controlling and directing traffic, which consists of lines,
patterns, words, symbols, or colours on the pavement, either flush
with the surface or slightly raised from it.
Road Network All the interlinked roads of various classes in a defined area.
Road Safety Audit An independent and systematic safety check of the design of a
road infrastructure project covering all stages from early planning to
early operation.
Road Safety Barrier Generic term for a barrier used to protect road users where there is
an identified risk or danger and where their use can be justified,
both in cost and safety benefit terms. Sometimes also known as
road restraint systems, or vehicle restraint systems, or highway
restraint systems, and sometimes as “safety fences” or “crash
barriers”
Road Sign A traffic control device mounted on a support above the level of the
roadway that conveys a specific message by means of words
and/or symbols. (Synonym for Traffic Sign)
Roads Affairs The Command of the Assistant Under Secretary Roads comprising
RPDD and RPMD.
Roadway North American term: The portion of a highway, including
shoulders, for vehicular use. A divided highway has two or more
roadways.
Roundabout A road junction (or intersection) where all movements take place on
a one-way circulating road around a central island.
Routine Maintenance Generally short term or cyclic work that is necessary to keep the
highway in good working order, such as safety barrier repair due to
accident damage. It does not deal with the replacement or renewal
of those parts of the highway which, over a longer term, become
unserviceable because of general wear and tear which would
properly be dealt with by planned programmes of structural
maintenance work.
Running Lane Any part of the trafficked carriageway separately marked out by the
use of road markings or studs. Under normal conditions, the
shoulder of a motorway or arterial road would not be classed as a
running lane but may become a temporary running lane under
temporary traffic management.
Safety Barrier Generic term for a barrier used to protect road users where there is
an identified risk or danger and where their use can be justified,
both in cost and safety benefit terms. Sometimes also known as
road restraint systems, or vehicle restraint systems, or highway
restraint systems, and sometimes as “safety fences” or “crash
barriers”
Safety fence A colloquial term in standard English for a barrier intended to
prevent pedestrians or livestock straying into an area where there
is an identifiable risk of harm (or danger). For example a
pedestrian restraint system.
Safety Inspection A periodic assessment of the characteristics and defects that
require work to be carried out for safety reasons.
Saturation (of traffic The condition where an arm of a traffic signal controlled junction
flow) does not, during its green period of the cycle, fully discharge the
queue of traffic which has built up at the stop line during the
preceding red period.
2018 20 1st Edition

TERM DEFINITION
Separation (island) An area or a device located longitudinally between two
carriageways so as to separate traffic flowing in the same or
opposite directions, and so designed as to discourage or prevent
passage by vehicles from the traffic lanes on one side of the
separator to those on the other.
Service Road A road parallel to an Arterial or similar main road, which provides
land access, parking and limited movement (generally one-way) for
through traffic.
Setback Lateral offset, usually from the edge of the nearest running lane.
Shoulder The portion of pavement continuous with the travelled way for
emergency use by stopped vehicles, and for lateral support of base
and surface courses.
Side Slope The sloping face of an Embankment or Cutting.
Sight Distance The length of roadway ahead, visible to the driver.
Signage The presence or use of Road Signs or Traffic Signs.
Signalised Roundabout A roundabout in which one or more of the entries (and the
corresponding circulating flow) is controlled by traffic signals.
Single carriageway A road used by two-way traffic.
road
Slip road A link road leading traffic off (an off-slip) or onto (an on-slip) a
limited-access road at a grade-separated junction. The equivalent
North American is ramp.
Soakaway A relatively shallow infiltration structure (typically less than 5 m
deep) intended to allow water to soak into the surface layers of the
ground (and hence perhaps deeper into the aquifer). This may be
an underground pit, usually filled with large aggregate, or a
chamber that enables water to soak into the ground.
A soakaway may also be a length of porous pipeline with a granular
surround or rubble filled trench, also known as an exfiltration ditch
(and commonly called a "French drain"), or it may be a shallow
basin.
Soffit The soffit is the highest point of the internal surface of a pipe or
culvert at any cross-section, or the underside of a bridge
Speed Limit The maximum speed which all vehicles must not exceed (defined
by regulation and indicated by signs). Posted speed is the
equivalent North American term.
Speed table A traffic calming device comprising a raised area of pavement
located at junctions or pedestrian crossings.
Staggered Junction A four-leg at-grade junction consisting of two adjacent T-Junctions.
Stopping Sight Distance The minimum distance required by a driver of a vehicle to come
safely to a stop after an object on the roadway (or similar reason)
becomes visible. It is the sum of the Perception-reaction Distance
and the minimum Braking Distance.
Street A public road in a developed urban setting (city, town, or village),
typically with access to houses and buildings on one or both sides.
Subbase The name for the top layer of the pavement foundation (Road Base
(Wet Mix) is an alternative option).
1st Edition 21 2018

TERM DEFINITION
Subgrade Subgrade is the natural ground material underneath a constructed
roadway, footway or railway track. It is also called the formation
level. It is the prepared ground surface on which the pavement
layers are placed.
Subgrade Improvement An intermediate layer of the pavement foundation between the
(layer) natural subgrade and the subbase. Typically a layer of cheaply
available but relatively stronger material used to cap a weaker
subgrade. This layer not only serves to strengthen the subgrade,
but also protects the road formation during construction. Also
known as Capping.
Substructure Generally in a highway structure, the wing walls, piers, columns,
towers and abutments that support the superstructure. Note:
Specific elements forming the substructure should be defined in the
AIP.
Subway An Underpass for the use of Pedestrians.
Superelevation The raising of the outside edge of the pavement around a curve to
partially offset the centrifugal force experienced by a vehicle
negotiating the curve.
Superelevation Runoff The transition distance between normal crown and fully super
elevated roadway.
Superstructure Generally in a highway structure, that part of the structure which is
supported by the piers, columns and abutments. Note: Specific
elements forming the superstructure are to be defined in the AIP.
Supervising Engineer (1) The engineer who supervises the inspection programme and is
ultimately responsible for inspections of highway structures.
(2) Senior and experienced engineer appointed under the training
requirements of a professional engineering body to supervise,
monitor and check junior engineers in training and working towards
approved professional status (chartered engineer).
Surface Course Also known as Wearing Course; it is the exposed top layer of the
pavement.
Surfacing The top layer of the pavement; the function of the Surfacing
(wearing/surface course and binder course) is to exclude water
from the lower layers and combine good ride quality with the
appropriate resistance to skidding and to resist crack propagation.
Sustainability Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level, conserving an
ecological balance by avoiding depletion of natural resources.
(Brundtland definition: "Sustainable development is development
that meets the needs of the present without compromising the
ability of future generations to meet their own needs.")
Swept Path The road surface over which a vehicle travels while completing a
defined manoeuvre, This will generally extend beyond the wheel
tracks, due to the overhang of the body of the vehicle.
Taper (1) A segment of road over which the pavement width changes, or
the rate at which a carriageway narrows to a reduced width.
(2) In traffic management, a series of channelling devices, usually
traffic cones, placed at an angle to oncoming traffic in order to re-
direct it out of its normal path.
Taper Length The length over which the road (carriageway, pavement or footway)
changes in width.
2018 22 1st Edition

TERM DEFINITION
Technical Approval The action of approving something relating to a particular subject
(general term) and its techniques. The submission of proposals confirming that
the design, assessment, specification or construction works
complies with the agreed requirements (in particular the BRDM and
the Bahrain Standard Specification for Construction Works, 2009)
for agreement by the MOWMAUP.
Technical Approval (of The submission of structural Proposals for agreement by the
structures) Technical Approval Authority and the subsequent provision and
acceptance of certificates confirming that the design, assessment,
specification or construction works complies with the agreed
Approval in Principle and design and specification certificates as
appropriate.
Temporary Traffic Temporary realignment of existing road to facilitate construction or
Management maintenance works.
Tender Board The Tender Board is a fully independent body, established by a
Royal Decree on 7 January 2003, with a clear agenda to set up a
strict regulatory mechanism for tendering of works that would
ensure fairness and equal opportunity for all.
Third Party A person or group besides the two primarily involved in any
particular situation.
Typically any person, organisation or other legal identity that is
neither the designer nor employed directly or indirectly by the
MOWMAUP.
T-Junction A three-leg Priority Junction, typically where one road continues
straight through the junction.
Topographic Survey The configuration of a surface including its relief and the locations
of its natural and man-made features, usually recorded on a
drawing showing surface variations by means of contour lines
indicating height above or below a fixed datum.
Traffic Calming Specific measures to reduce and control the speed of traffic to a
level that is appropriate for the activities taking place along the road
in order to improve safety and enhance the environment. Typically
applied to lower categories (classes) of road
Traffic Island An island provided in the road to separate or direct streams of
traffic; includes both dividing and channelling islands.
Traffic Lane A portion of the road provided and marked for a stream of traffic
travelling in single file in one direction.
Traffic Management The area where traffic management is provided to enable
Zone maintenance or construction works to be carried out on or beside
the road.
Traffic modelling Traffic modelling is a technique that uses computer based
simulations of junctions and highways to predict future traffic
conditions based upon real origin and destination data, usually
collected via surveys of traffic movements.
Traffic Sign A traffic control device mounted on a support above the level of the
roadway that conveys a specific message by means of words
and/or symbols. (Synonym for Road Sign)
Traffic Signal Three aspect lights used to direct and stop and start traffic.
Traffic Volume The number of vehicles passing a give point in a certain period of
time. It is normally quoted in vehicles (or Passenger Car Equivalent
Units) per hour (per lane).
1st Edition 23 2018

TERM DEFINITION
Transition The process or a period of changing from one state or condition to
another.
(1) A section of variable pavement width required when changing
from one width of travelled way to a greater or lesser width.
(2) A section of Safety Barrier linking two lengths with differing
characteristics.
(3) The period between one stage of traffic signal control giving
way and the next stage taking control.
Transition Curve A horizontal spiral curve of progressively reducing radius intended
(Spiral) to create a smooth, safe change-over between a straight and a
circular alignment. Also, a shallow vertical spiral used to make the
switchover, from a straight road with a balanced cross-section into
the superelevation on a curve, smooth and comfortable.
Travelled Way North American term meaning the portion of the carriageway
designed for the movement of vehicles under normal
circumstances, excluding shoulders and bicycle lanes (AASHTO).
Sometimes taken to also exclude auxiliary lanes.
Truck A large, heavy road vehicle used for carrying goods or materials, or
in the delivery of other services. Lorry is an equivalent British word.
Turning Lanes Auxiliary Lanes provided within at-grade intersections for right and
left turning movements.
Typical Cross Section A transverse section of a proposed road showing the lateral
dimensions and functional and structural elements of the road.
Underbridge A bridge UNDER the road being considered (a bridge which
supports the road being considered).
Underpass A grade separation where one road (or footpath or cycleway)
passes beneath another road a level below that of the surrounding
land.
Undivided Road North American term meaning a road with no median, with a single
pavement carrying all traffic. The British equivalent is single
carriageway.
Upstream (1) The direction opposite from that in which a stream or river flows,
nearer the source of the flow (in channels or pipes).
(2) On roads, the direction from which traffic is coming.
Utilities A public utility is an organization supplying the community with
electricity, gas, telecommunications, water, or sewerage. Often
abbreviated to utility or utilities.
U-turn A manoeuvre in which a vehicle turns through 180 degrees to
return in the direction from which it came.
Value Engineering Development of optimal solutions for prioritised design,
construction and maintenance using option appraisal, whole life
costing, scheme development, and synergies with other highway
schemes.
Value Management A systematic approach to:
(i) Establishing what ‘value’ means to the client;
(ii) Clearly defining and agreeing project objectives; and
(iii) Establishing how those objectives can best be achieved.
2018 24 1st Edition

TERM DEFINITION
Variable Message Sign A sign which can display at least one sign or message, as well as a
blank face when no message is necessary. They can use
conventional materials and a mechanical system such as rotating
planks, or may be light-emitting, when a wide range of messages or
symbols can be displayed.
Vehicle actuation A method of control where the green times are determined by the
real time flow of traffic on the approaches to the signal installation.
Detectors are used to monitor the traffic flows.
Vehicle Restraint System installed on a road to provide a level of containment for an
System errant vehicle.
Verge That part of the road right of way which acts as a buffer zone
between the edge of the pavement and the surrounding physical
features.
Vertical Alignment The geometry of the road in the vertical plane, the same as the
vertical profile.
Vertical Curve A curve between two gradients on the longitudinal profile of a road
provided in order to achieve a change in those gradients which is
both comfortable and safe for vehicle occupants.
Visibility The distance one can see as determined by light and weather
conditions, the farthest distance at which an object can be seen.
Visual Amenity Visual amenity is the assembly of components which provide an
attractive visual setting or context. It is concerned with the views of
the landscape and townscape.
Warrant North American term for the justification or authority for a decision
or action, for example, the justification, need or requirement for the
installation of a traffic signal junction or pedestrian crossing.
Wayleave The Wayleave Approval System is a procedure for co-ordinating
work in, on and under the road reserve and public space (except
those works specifically excluded under the General Service
Notification Procedures). The requirements of the Wayleave
Approval System are specified by the Central Planning Office.
Weaving The crossing of traffic streams on a dual carriageway moving in the
same general direction accomplished by progressive lane changing
manoeuvres and without traffic signals or other controls. This
weaving of traffic can only safely take place as a gradual lane
changing activity as suitable gaps can be found in adjoining lanes.
Working Width The working width (W m), defined in EN 1317-2, is the maximum
lateral distance between any part of the barrier on the un-deformed
traffic side and the maximum dynamic position of any part of the
barrier. Working width is normalised into Working Width Classes.
Zebra Crossing An unsignalled pedestrian crossing, marked with white stripes,
which gives right of way to pedestrians.
1st Edition 25 2018

Abbreviations widely used in this Manual

For a more extensive list of abbreviations, refer to Part 1 of this Manual (Introduction)
ABBREVIATION MEANING
AADF Annual Average Daily Flow (in one direction at opening)
AADT Annual Average Daily Traffic
AASHTO American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials
(North America)
ADT Annual Daily Traffic
AIP Approval in Principle
ALARP As Low as Reasonably Practicable
ASI Acceleration Severity Index (EN 1317)
AUS Assistant Under Secretary
Austroads Association of Australian and New Zealand road transport and traffic
authorities
BD Bahraini Dinars
BRDM Bahrain Roads Design Manual
BS British Standard
BS EN UK implementation of a European Standard as a British Standard
(maintained by CEN)
BTM Bahrain Transport Model
CBA Cost Benefit Analysis
CCTV Closed Circuit Television
CED Cost Engineering Directorate of MOWMAUP
CEN Comité Européen de Normalisation (European Committee for
Standardization) is the European standards organisation responsible for
producing and overseeing the development of European standards. It is
an association of the national standards bodies.
CIRIA Construction Industry Research and Information Association (UK)
CPO Central Planning Office, MOWMAUP
CRD Chief, Roads Design, RPDD
DCP Dynamic Cone Penetrometer
DfT Department for Transport, UK
DMRB Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (UK)
EDD Electricity Distribution Directorate, EWA, Bahrain
EDMS Enterprise Document Management System (MOWMAUP)
EN European norm or technical specification drafted by a technical
committee and adopted as a national standard by members belonging
to CEN.
EWA Electricity and Water Authority, Bahrain
FWD Falling Weight Deflectometer
GCC Gulf Cooperation Council
GDT General Directorate Traffic, Ministry of the Interior, Bahrain
2018 26 1st Edition

GIS Geographic Information System (Sometimes also used for geospatial
information system, science or studies)
GPS Global Positioning System
HA Highways Agency (UK Government Agency responsible for the English
national road network).
HGV Heavy Goods Vehicle (truck or lorry), defined within Europe and the UK
as a vehicle over 3.5 tonnes constructed for carrying goods
IAN Interim Advice Note (Highways Agency)
IRI International Roughness Index
ISO International Organisation for Standardisation
ITS Intelligent Transport Systems
IUWR Inter Utility Works Request
km/h Kilometres per hour
LGV Light Goods Vehicle (light van) defined within Europe and the UK as a
4-wheel vehicle under 3.5 tonnes constructed for carrying goods
MED Materials Engineering Directorate of MOWMAUP
MoF Ministry of Finance, Bahrain
MoH Ministry of Housing, Bahrain
MOVA Microprocessor Vehicle Actuation.
MOWMAUP Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning, Bahrain
NMU Non-motorised User
OOR Opening of Roads
PMO Project Management Office
PMS (1) Project Management System
(2) Also, confusingly, Project Management Section, MOWMAUP
prEN A draft European standard that is still in the process of being developed
in preparation for publication as an EN.
PV (1) Present Value (in economic assessment)
(2) Photovoltaic (in solar panels)
PVC (1) Present Value of Costs (in economic assessment)
(2) Polyvinyl chloride (in plastics)
QA Quality Assurance
QMS Quality Management System
RA Roads Affairs, MOWMAUP
RDS Roads Design Section, RPDD
RMS (1) Road Maintenance Section, RPMD
(2) Remote Monitoring System.
ROW Right of Way
RPMD Roads Projects and Maintenance Directorate, MOWMAUP
RPDD Roads Planning and Design Directorate, MOWMAUP
RSA Road Safety Audit
1st Edition 27 2018

SEA Sanitary Engineering Affairs, MOWMAUP
SEOMD Sanitary Engineering Operations and Maintenance Directorate,
MOWMAUP
SEPPD Sanitary Engineering Planning & Projects Directorate, MOWMAUP
SI (1) Systeme International d'Unites (a complete metric system of units of
measurement)
(2) Severity Index (of accidents, used by AASHTO, Austroads)
SLRB Survey & Land Registration Bureau
SSD Stopping Sight Distance
TA (1) Traffic Engineering and Control Advice Note in UK DMRB –
(2) Technical Approval (of Structures)
TD Traffic Engineering and Control Design Standard in UK DMRB
TES Traffic Engineering Section, RPDD
TIA Transport Impact Assessment
TPS Traffic Planning & Studies Section, RPDD
TRL TRL Limited (UK) formerly the Transport Research Laboratory.
TSC Technical Standards Committee
UTC Urban Traffic Control
VA Vehicle Actuation
VDF Vehicle Damage Factor
VMS Variable Message Sign
VRS Vehicle Restraint System
2018 28 1st Edition

Figure 0.4 Shaikh Salman Highway
Figure 0.5 Dry Dock Highway
Figure 0.6 Gulf of Bahrain Avenue
1st Edition 29 2018

[There is no other text on this page]
2018 30 1st Edition

1 Introduction
1.1 Responsibilities
1.1.1 Responsibility for managing Bahrain’s Roads lies within the MOWMAUP,
particularly with Roads Affairs (RA) which currently comprises the following two Directorates:
(i) Road Planning and Design Directorate (RPDD), and
(ii) Road Projects and Maintenance Directorate (RPMD).
1.1.2 They are supported by other Directorates, including:
(i) Materials Engineering Directorate (MED), and
(ii) Cost Engineering Directorate (CED).
1.1.3 The Ministry (MOWMAUP) needed an up-to-date Roads Design Manual to be
used by its own staff, and by design consultants and contractors, when carrying out the
various processes and procedures necessary for the successful completion of its mandate.
1.1.4 This Bahrain Roads Design Manual (BRDM) has been produced to meet that
need.
1.2 Context for this Manual

1.2.1 Bahrain already has an extensive modern road network which is being developed,
expanded, improved and modernised as part of the National Planning & Development
Strategy. This Manual has been prepared to support the future development of the road
network.
1.2.2 As part of the Government’s commitment to transforming the Kingdom of Bahrain
into a 21st Century urban environment, the Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and
Urban Planning (the “Ministry” or MOWMAUP) has undertaken a number of major studies
and projects including:
(i) Intelligent Transport Strategy (ITS) (2007),
(ii) Development of Integrated Transport Strategy Studies (ITSS) (2008), and
(iii) National Road Safety Strategy (NRSS) (2007).
1.2.3 In August 2007 TRL completed a project to develop a National Road Safety
Strategy for the Kingdom of Bahrain. The outcome of this study was a report recommending
improvements in a number of areas:
(i) Road safety management coordination and funding,
(ii) Accident Data System,
(iii) Safety Engineering,
(iv) Driver Training, Testing and Licensing,
(v) Vehicle Inspection,
(vi) Vehicle Insurance,
(vii) Traffic Law Enforcement,
(viii) Road Safety Publicity, and
(ix) Road Safety Education in schools.
1.2.4 A number of projects were identified in each of these areas that should be
implemented to improve road safety. One of the projects under Safety Engineering was to
review and update road design and safety standards and improve safety for access roads.
This recommendation was subsequently developed into a project to update the Bahrain
Roads Design Manual.
1st Edition 31 2018

1.2.5 The need to update this Manual was identified because:

(i) The existing Bahrain Roads Design Manual (BRDM) dated from 1993 and was
based on UK standards at that time. Many of those standards have been
reviewed or replaced since then to enhance the safety and effective use of roads.
Therefore the 1993 BRDM needed updating.
(ii) The current Bahrain road network caters mainly for motor vehicles. A new Manual
was needed to make better provision for all road users, including pedestrians, non-
motorised vehicles, and disabled persons, as well as to promote sustainability. In
particular, the standard widths of access roads in the 1993 BRDM were insufficient
to include footways etc. to adequately cater for other road users.
(iii) The 1993 BRDM was incomplete and engineers and designers have had to refer
to other standards and design manuals for certain issues which has lead, on
occasion, to incompatible or non-uniform designs.
(iv) Road corridors should have provision for utility/services arrangements based on
the hierarchy of the road network. Corridor requirements for utilities services along
the road network were not included within the 1993 BRDM. Standard road cross
sections were required to provide for utilities/services.
(v) There is a need for solutions to treat roadways with a typical set of site constraints
to improve safety and promote the best practices in road network design and
development.
(vi) There is also a move towards standardization among GCC Countries. Therefore
the Manual should be compatible with GCC and other regional codes where
possible.
(vii) The land reclamation levels required for the road network in Bahrain have been
revised and this should be reflected in the Manual.
1.2.6 The MOWMAUP aspired that this updated BRDM will provide adequate guidance
for the Ministry’s wide ranging requirements. For example plans to:
(i) Upgrade select arterial highways to motorway standards,
(ii) Promote safety along residential access and village roads, through innovative
traffic engineering interventions, and
(iii) Introduce multimodal units such as trams, Bus Rapid Transit System, as part of
implementation of Integrated Transport Strategy Study recommendations.
1.2.7 For all of the above reasons this new Manual is a completely new document
developed from UK standards but also taking on board best practice from elsewhere in the
world (including other GCC states, the USA, Europe and Australasia) in order to provide the
Kingdom with the very latest in roads design standards.
1.3 Vision for the Future of the Highway Network in Bahrain

1.3.1 The Ministry aims to provide physical infrastructure that improves the quality of life
for all residents of Bahrain. This infrastructure supports national development goals by
maximising the potential of the Kingdom for economic progress. This economic
diversification is complemented by increased allocation of funds for community development
projects and for improvement of existing infrastructure.
1.3.2 The Ministry is committed to constantly improving its service offering to the
Kingdom, and consequently has a vision to be at the forefront of design, construction,
maintenance, management and operation of roads not only in the Gulf Region but
worldwide. It is therefore important that designers use the latest knowledge and best
practice from around the world in developing road schemes in Bahrain. This Manual is
intended to distill best practice and guide designers.
2018 32 1st Edition

1.3.3 The Ministry has committed itself to continuous improvement in all areas; in
particular to the elimination of out dated practices in road design. RA recognises that best
practice throughout the world is to keep design manuals under constant review and revision.
Road Affairs intends to achieve this through gathering and applying knowledge from other
manuals and standards. RA encourages all those involved in roads in Bahrain to work with
them to achieve this vision.
1.3.4 The Bahrain Roads Business Plan demonstrates the importance of this Manual for
the achievement of the aims and objectives of the MOWMAUP. Excerpts can be found
below:
(i) "Develop and maintain core competencies and knowledge base critical to
innovation, productivity, safety and sustainability needs and ensure sharing of
accumulating knowledge amongst employees of the Road Sector and stakeholders."
(ii) "Create best practice manuals covering all of the Roads Sector services including
technical guidelines, mapping of processes and highlighting quality requirements."
(iii) "To be used by ministry employees in conducting their duties and to familiarize
stakeholders of the practices followed in managing design and construction projects."
1.3.5 This new Manual is intended to help deliver that vision.
1.4 The purpose and application of this Manual

1.4.1 This Manual sets out the principles for the design, construction, maintenance and
operation of all road schemes in the Kingdom of Bahrain. (A map of the Kingdom is shown
at Figure 1.1).
1.4.2 This Manual provides Designers with the accepted design criteria and construction
practices for all MOWMAUP roads projects. It must also be used for all those road projects
which are intended to become public roads after construction, designed and constructed by
others. This includes, for example, those in social housing developments for the Ministry of
Housing, new residential and commercial estates built by private developers, and projects
delivered under Public Private Partnership (PPP) funding agreements.
1.4.3 This Manual is not intended to limit the design responsibility of the design
professional. However, the standards set out in the Manual are intended to establish the
minimum acceptable requirements for use in all such roads projects.
1.5 The use of the Manual

1.5.1 This Manual, as a Design Standard, will form part of a suite of tools at the
designers’ disposal, including:
(i) MOWMAUP policy documents,
(ii) Technical Memoranda and Interim Advice Notes, and
(iii) Good and Best Practice documents.
1.5.2 This Manual is intended to be used by technically qualified, trained and competent
professional staff with adequate practical experience. It is not primarily intended as a
training manual although senior engineers may find it useful to instruct their colleagues.
Junior engineers and other professional staff in training must only use it under supervision
and junior staff within the Ministry, and all other users, should be trained in its use.
Responsibility for this training is the role of their Supervising Engineer.
1st Edition 33 2018

1.5.3 This Manual provides a range of acceptable values for critical dimensions and
outlines parameters. These are set out to help planners, designers and contractors to
conform to the requirements of the MOWMAUP. Occasionally they may find that there is a
conflict between one criterion and another, or one part of the Manual and another. For
instance, there may be situations in which road geometry requirements may require a
reduction in environmental protection. In such cases they must use their professional
knowledge and experience to judge between the competing requirements. The designer will
then be able to make an informed decision on how to implement the requirements of the
Manual. Wherever possible such conflicts should be avoided. As a result:
(i) All roads designs will be based on identical criteria.
(ii) Plans will have a consistent, well-organised format which will not vary greatly from
project to project.
(iii) Cost efficiencies will be realised during design by a clear understanding of the
procedures and criteria to be employed.
(iv) The technical review process will be expedited for both RPDD and the design
consultant.
1.6 Limitations
1.6.1 Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the guidance in this Manual is
comprehensive and up to date, it is not practicable to include in a Manual of this nature
every detail concerned with the design of a road scheme. Instead the principles are set out
with detailed supporting material. In addition extensive references are given where
additional detailed information may be obtained.
1.6.2 Users must use their professional expertise and judgement when developing a
scheme. Designers should also refer to International standards, industry codes of practice,
guidance documents issued by trade associations, and specifications. References to these
are included within the Manual at appropriate points. As these external references are
themselves constantly being updated, the MOWMAUP intends to set up a process to
manage future revisions of the Manual (see Chapter 6) and keep it up to date to reflect
advances in knowledge.
1.6.3 Although the Manual will be made available in hard copy, it is expected that most
users will access it in electronic (soft) format available on line through the MOWMAUP
website for use by all authorised parties. By doing this they will have access to the latest
amendments and this will also simplify the control of the amendment process. Those who
wish to have access to it and use it in the preparation of schemes, and the management and
maintenance of the road network in Bahrain, should apply to the Chief, Roads Design for
permission.
1.6.4 The Manual gives guidance on the responsibilities of particular authorities and on
the procedures to be followed. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that this is
accurate, it is not intended to replace the guidance issued by the responsible Authorities. It
is the responsibility of the designer to ascertain the correct procedures in the particular
circumstances.
1.6.5 In the absence of specific advice, guidance or standards in the Manual, designers
and contractors may refer to the latest version of the UK Department of Transport’s Design
Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) or other widely accepted international standards, but
they must seek the approval of the Chief, Roads Design before applying them to a particular
project.
2018 34 1st Edition

1.7 The scope of the Manual

1.7.1 This Manual is arranged in five broad groups:
(i) Procedural Requirements for Road Projects (Parts 1, 2, 3 & 4),
(ii) Technical Requirements for Road Projects (Parts 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 &12),
(iii) Technical Requirements for Traffic Management (Parts 13, 14, 15 & 16),
(iv) Road Maintenance Requirements (Part 17), and
(v) Standard Details (Part 18).
1.7.2 The first group covers the various stages of roads scheme or project development
starting with the initiation of schemes, their appraisal and detailed design. Compliance with
the standards in this Manual will assist designers to meet the requirements of the quality
assurance procedures described in Part 4 of this Manual (Design and Implementation
Procedures).
1.7.3 This Manual refers to other documents such as the CPO Procedures, the TIA
Guidelines and the MOWMAUP Standard Specifications for Construction Works 2009.
These documents are complementary to this Manual and explained in Parts 2, 3 and 4
respectively.
1.7.4 This Manual seeks to reflect best practice from around the world in road design. In
doing so, it guides to designers in the production of safe, economical and efficient road
designs. Although the specific conditions and circumstances relating to a particular scheme
may sometimes require unique or innovative approaches to design, the majority of works
should be accommodated by the approach outlined in the Manual. Where unique or
innovative approaches are required, they should be subject to the Departures from Standard
procedures outlined in section 0 and the change control procedures outlined in section 6.3.
1.7.5 This Manual is based on established practice in various countries around the
World, and the work of many people in developing and implementing that practice is
gratefully acknowledged.
1st Edition 35 2018

Figure 1.1 Road Map of Bahrain

(National Planning & Development Strategy – 2030 (MOWMAUP, 2016)
2018 36 1st Edition

2 Design Philosophy
2.1 Sustainable safe design

2.1.1 This Manual has been developed and based on an underlying design philosophy
embracing the concept of sustainable safe road design which aims to: "avoid burdening a
future generation with the consequences of road traffic accidents resulting from current and
future mobility demands". This philosophy includes concepts such as the forgiving roadside
(see Parts 6 and 15); safety principles (see Part 5); functionality; homogeneity and
predictability (see Part 6, in particular).
2.1.2 The concept of sustainable safe road design aims not only to improve safety by
reducing the numbers and severity of crashes, but also to ensure that the wider objectives
are met.
2.1.3 This Manual not only supports the policy, administrative and technical procedures
which are required to ensure that Roads Affairs operates in an efficient and effective
manner, it also sets out the standards that all other road providers in Bahrain must follow. It
covers a wide range of topics, such as:
(i) Technical and other procedures and methods to be employed,
(ii) Analytical criteria to be used,
(iii) Appraisal requirements,
(iv) Dimensional requirements, and
(v) Numerical and statistical data.
2.1.4 The individual Parts of the Manual set out the requirements, as well as giving
advice and guidance, for the health and safety, economic, environmental, engineering,
social and aesthetic criteria which apply to Road Works and are an essential component in
obtaining quality.
2.1.5 They define the quality of the Road network in terms of value for money consistent
with adequate safety and durability, while taking into account the impact on the environment
and costs. They:
(i) Provide a sound and rational basis on which competitive tenders can be sought,
(ii) Develop and promulgate good practice whilst encouraging innovation,
(iii) Facilitate quality control of Road Works,
(iv) Define methods for assessing maintenance requirements when evaluating options,
(v) Facilitate the cost effective, safe and timely delivery of maintenance, and
(vi) Define methods for monitoring the performance of the network.
2.2 Meeting the needs of all road users (including those with
disabilities)
2.2.1 This Manual has been designed to cater for the needs of all road users, including
in particular the needs of those with disabilities, and there are specific references to the
special requirements of those with physical (and also in some cases cognitive or
developmental) disabilities. This section summarises the key issues for the road designer in
meeting their needs, and refers to the main places in the Manual (Parts and Chapters)
where there is specific guidance on particular requirements to meet the needs of those with
disabilities.
1st Edition 37 2018

Types of disability
2.2.2 There are two main categories of disabled people using the roads, those who are
able to drive and those who are not. Within these two basic categories there are grades of
disability. For example, there are those who are visually impaired but not to the extent that
they are unable to drive, although their peripheral vision may be a problem. There are those
who can walk, maybe with difficulty, and others who use mobility scooters or wheelchairs,
with or without an assistant. There will also be those who suffer from cognitive impairments
who may have specific difficulties understanding complicated road layouts, and be at
particular risk (for example) at pedestrian crossings; and those with developmental
impairments (for example, the young and the elderly) who may not have the normal range of
ability.
Disabled drivers and passengers

2.2.3 In general, drivers with mobility problems should be treated the same as other
drivers, in terms of roadway design and layout, as they have to be able to drive safely in
normal traffic. But disabled drivers do need to be able to park somewhere closer to their
destination than the physically able, and to have space to load and unload any mobility aids
that they may require (for example, a wheelchair, or a motorised chair). The same applies
to passengers with disabilities, whether travelling in ordinary vehicles, or in specially
adapted vehicles.
2.2.4 Therefore their requirements are more about parking provision and enforcement,
than in modification and adaptation of the basic road layout, although there may be a need
for additional signing and road marking to assist them.
2.2.5 However there is one special class of vehicle, designed for use at low speeds on
footways and shared surfaces by those with physical disabilities, commonly known as
mobility scooters. Where special routes or surfaces are required to meet their needs, the
particular specifications are generally similar to those for cycle ways (Part 6, Chapter 9,).
2.2.6 The requirements for parking provision for the disabled (both disabled motorists
and disabled passengers) are set out in Part 2 of this Manual (Planning Procedures). Off
street parking (for example within shopping precincts and shopping malls, within office car
parks, within residential areas, at community facilities such as schools, and universities,
clinics and hospitals, clubs and recreation sites) meets the needs of those with disabilities
much better than on street parking, even where there are specially constructed parking
bays.
2.2.7 The road marking and signing requirements for on street parking for the disabled
(both disabled motorists and passengers with disabilities) are described in Part 13 (Traffic
Signs and Road Markings).
Physically disabled pedestrians and wheelchair users

2.2.8 The needs of physically disabled pedestrians and wheelchair users are mainly
covered in the various chapters of Part 6 (Road Geometry). There are two main needs:
(i) A reasonably smooth and level surface and adequate width and clearance along
footpaths (away from the carriageway) and footways (adjacent to the carriageway),
and
(ii) Special provision at crossing places (where pedestrians cross the carriageway),
both “at grade” crossings (including signal controlled crossings) and grade
separated crossings (such as footbridges and underpasses).
2.2.9 The general design criteria for disabled people are set out in Part 6 Chapter 1
(Introduction and General Design Criteria) including layout, materials, signs, ramps and
street furniture.
2018 38 1st Edition

2.2.10 The detailed design requirements for pedestrian facilities (including the disabled)
are set out in Part 6 Chapter 9 (Highway Features) with guidance on the characteristics of
people with disabilities, including mobility, visual and developmental impairments and the
particular requirements for kerb ramps for the disabled at all regular crossing places.
2.2.11 The general design guidance for meeting the needs of people with disabilities is
reflected throughout the rest of Part 6 (and indeed the rest of the Manual) in relation to link
design (Chapter 2), cross section design (Chapter 3), junction design (Chapters 4 and 5)
roundabouts (Chapter 7), signal controlled junctions (Chapter 8), and interchanges (Chapter
6).
2.2.12 These requirements are also reflected in Part 5 (Safety) particularly in relation to
carrying out Road Safety Audits; Part 15 (Road Safety Barriers) particularly in relation to
pedestrian guardrails; Part 16 (Traffic Management at Road Works) and Part 17 (Road
Maintenance).
2.2.13 The requirements for grade separated crossings (footbridges and underpasses)
are set out in Part 10 (Road Structures) together with special requirements for the disabled
using footways on bridges.
Blind and partially sighted

2.2.14 Blind and partially sighted pedestrians require special provisions, such as tactile
paving at crossing places and additional traffic signal control features at signal controlled
crossings.
2.2.15 The requirements for tactile surfaces at pedestrian crossing places are set out in
Part 6 Chapter 1 (General Design Criteria) and Chapter 9 (Highway Features), the different
types of surface are described in Part 8 (Pavement Design & Rehabilitation) and reflected,
where appropriate throughout Part 6.
2.2.16 The requirements for the blind and partially sighted at signal controlled crossings
are described in more detail in Part 14 (Traffic Signals and Control Equipment).
Conclusions
2.2.17 Road design is essentially about meeting the needs of those travelling in vehicles
without disadvantaging the needs of others (for example pedestrians or cyclists). People
with disability are a small sub-set of both groups (vehicle users and pedestrians).
2.2.18 Those responsible for designing roads and those responsible for managing the
road network in Bahrain should think about the needs of people with disability in a more
holistic way and aim to meet the specific needs of people with disability without
compromising the safety of all road users.
2.2.19 Parts 2, 3 and 4, which set out the procedures for the planning and design of new
roads, remind users of the need to take into account the needs of the disabled at all stages
of the scheme development and construction. This Manual includes specific guidance to
enable road designers to meet those needs.
1st Edition 39 2018

2.2.20 Further, more detailed, guidance is published in a number of places throughout the
World, including:
(i) Transport for Scotland Disability Discrimination Act Good Practice Guide for Roads
(2009).
(ii) 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, US Department of Justice
(http://www.ada.gov/regs2010/2010ADAStandards/2010ADAstandards.htm).
(iii) Pedestrian Facilities Users Guide (US Dept. Of Transportation Federal Highway
Administration) Providing Safety and mobility (2002).
(iv) Access for Disabled People (Various) Centre for Accessible Environments UK
(http://www.cae.org.uk/publications_list.html)
(v) Abu Dhabi Urban Street Manual.
Figure 2.1 Reef Island Crossing
Figure 2.2 Reef Island Crossing
2018 40 1st Edition

3 MOWMAUP Procedures and Processes
3.1 Introduction
3.1.1 The Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning (MOWMAUP)
has a number of different procedures and processes, some of which apply only within the
Ministry, some of which also apply to third parties (external stakeholders). These include
the Ministry’s contractors – those people or organisations that have contracts with the
Ministry, both designers (consultants) and constructors – and other Government Ministries
and external bodies.
3.1.2 This Part of the Manual describes the current arrangements which may be subject
to review and amendment in the future. Those using this Manual should therefore check
with the Ministry to ensure that they have all the relevant information, and the most up to
date revisions, and not simply rely on the information about the Ministry’s requirements in
this Manual.
3.1.3 This Part of the Manual describes the procedures and processes in general terms.
Where they apply to specific aspects of the guidance contained in the Manual they are
described in more specific detail.
3.1.4 In particular this Manual refers to:
(i) The MOWMAUP Enterprise Document Management System (EDMS) which is, in
general, only accessible within the MOWMAUP but which contains much of the
information required not only by the Ministry’s employees but also by external
stakeholders.
(ii) The procedures developed and promulgated by the MOWMAUP Central Planning
Office (the CPO procedures) which, in general, apply throughout Bahrain as part of
the CPO’s wider role and responsibility for co-ordination development and
associated works.
(iii) The processes developed within the MOWMAUP Quality Management System
(QMS) which, in general, only apply within the MOWMAUP but also apply to most
of the Ministry’s internal business functions.
(iv) The procedures developed with the MOWMAUP Project Management System
(PMS) which, in general, only apply to the project management aspects of the
Ministry’s business but also apply to the Ministry’s contractors, both designers and
constructors.
3.1.5 These are described in more detail in the following sections.
3.2 Enterprise Document Management System

3.2.1 The MOWMAUP has implemented an electronic document management system,
referred to as an “Enterprise Document Management System” (EDMS).
3.2.2 Electronic document management systems evolved out of document management
systems with the development of information technology. In essence a document
management system is a way of organising and managing documents. Historic examples
are filing systems and library management systems. Computers contain electronic
document management systems for storing and managing the information (folders, files,
documents, photographs, music and videos) in electronic format.
3.2.3 Enterprise document management is a strategy for overseeing an organization's
paper and electronic documents so they can be easily retrieved. It has become fashionable
to refer to document management as part of wider systems – enterprise content
management systems (ECMS) – because of the much wider range of types of content that
are now being created though electronic technology and the much wider range of business
processes that are encompassed including, for example, transaction or workflow
management.
1st Edition 41 2018

3.2.4 Enterprise Content Management is the systematic collection and organisation of

information that is to be used by a designated audience within an organisation, or between
organisations. It is not a single technology, methodology or process but a dynamic
combination of strategies, methods, and tools used to capture, manage, store, preserve, and
deliver information supporting key organisational processes through their entire lifecycle.
(i) Capture (entering the relevant content into the system).
(ii) Manage (how it is treated, so it can be found and used by whomever it is intended
for).
(iii) Store (keeping it secure but accessible, whether in paper or electronic format) .
(iv) Preserve (refers to long-term management and archiving, protecting it so it can be
used in the future whenever the organisation needs it).
(v) Deliver (making the right information available to all those who need it, when they
need it).
3.2.5 The Ministry’s EDMS therefore underpins all the Ministry’s other procedures and
processes by being a secure repository for information. At present it is only accessible to
MOWMAUP employees. Comparatively few of the Ministry’s processes are available
electronically to external stakeholders as e-services, for example reporting road faults or
abnormal load application. However, in future, it is likely that more of the Ministry’s
processes and procedures will be managed electronically and be available to other
stakeholders via the internet. Those using this Manual should be aware that things may
change in future and should check what is available when using the Manual.
3.3 Central Planning Office Procedures

3.3.1 The CPO procedures have been developed over many years and are well
embedded within the Ministry and familiar to third parties (external stakeholders). In
common with all procedures, they are reviewed and updated from time to time and the
versions current at the time this Manual was prepared were last reviewed in 2011.
3.3.2 As many of those reading this Manual may be new to Bahrain, or new to their
current responsibilities, they may not be familiar with the historic development of the
procedures or the current requirements and may, inadvertently, misunderstand them or fail
to follow them correctly. The description in this Manual is intended to assist such users find
the relevant procedures and the most recent versions, so that they may be used correctly. It
does not seek to review, revise or amend the current (or any future) versions of the CPO
procedures.
3.3.3 The current CPO procedures (as at 2011) are listed in Part 2 of this Manual.
3.3.4 Some of the documents required for the CPO procedures are available (within the
MOWMAUP) through the EMDS.
3.3.5 Some of the CPO procedures are also covered by the QMS processes and the
PMS procedures and the user of this Manual should check that they understand the precise
relationship between them in each case so that they may apply them correctly as intended.
3.3.6 There is further guidance on some of the individual CPO procedures at the
appropriate places within this Manual.
2018 42 1st Edition

3.4 Quality Management System

3.4.1 The MOWMAUP has developed and implemented a Quality Management System
and obtained certification to ISO 9001 through a UKAS accredited certification organisation.
The MOWMAUP QMS is described in outline (below) and in more detail in Parts 4 (Design
and Implementation Procedures) and Part 17 (Road Maintenance) of this Manual.
3.4.2 The MOWMAUP Quality Management System includes:
(i) The Quality Manual (Level 1) which describes the QMS in more detail.
(ii) Procedures (Level 2) which set out the procedures used by the MOWMAUP.
(iii) Tasks and Activities (Level 3) which describe the tasks and activities used by
MOWMAUP.
3.4.3 All the relevant documentation is available through the MOWMAUP Enterprise
Document Management System (EDMS).
3.4.4 Some of the QMS processes are also covered by the CPO procedures and the
PMS procedures and the user of this Manual should check that they understand the precise
relationship between them in each case so that they may apply them correctly as intended.
3.4.5 There is further guidance on some of the individual QMS processes at the
appropriate places within this Manual. As many of those reading this Manual may be new to
Bahrain, or new to their current responsibilities, they may not be familiar with the current
requirements and may, inadvertently, misunderstand them or fail to follow them correctly.
The description in this Manual is intended to assist such users find the most recent versions
of the relevant processes, so that they may be used correctly. It does not seek to review,
revise or amend the current (or any future) versions of the QMS processes.
3.5 Project Management System

3.5.1 The MOWMAUP has introduced a Project Management System (PMS) based on
the standards and international best practices of the Project Management Institute (PMI) to
fully involve all parties that form each and every project team. The MOWMAUP PMS is
described in outline (below) and in more detail in Parts 4 (Design and Implementation
Procedures) and Part 17 (Road Maintenance) of this Manual.
3.5.2 The PMS is designed to actively include Consultants (designers and constructors)
in the project management process and to encourage their contribution to the progress
reporting, problem solving and decision making procedures. When contracts are awarded to
external contractors (designers or constructors) the PMS methodology is part of the contract
and the contractor must comply with it.
3.5.3 Both generic and specific project life cycles have been identified for MOWMAUP
projects, setting out the various stages through which a project develops, from conception to
completion. These five phases reflect a series of logically related project activities which
culminate in the completion of a major project deliverable:
(i) Planning & Consultant Selection,
(ii) Design,
(iii) Tender & Award,
(iv) Implementation, and
(v) Close out.
3.5.4 This generic project life cycle is the basis for developing customised project life
cycles for each of the MOWMAUP primary project types which provide guidance for the
effective management of such projects. Each project life cycle process is supported by tools
and templates which were developed as part of the MOWMAUP Project Management
System, including IT based tools.
1st Edition 43 2018

3.5.5 The Ministry’s Project Management System is described in more detail in a

number of documents that are available on the EDMS. These include:
(i) Project Management System [PMO-WI-002 Rev 1 18 Oct 2010],
(ii) PMS Governance Roles & Responsibilities [PMO-WI-003 Rev 1 18 Oct 2010],
(iii) PMS Directives [PMO-WI-004 Rev 1 18 Oct 2012], and
(iv) PMS Procedures – Construction Projects [PMO-WI-013 Rev 1 18 Oct 2010].
3.5.6 These documents refer to project management procedures, tasks and activities
that are also described in this Manual.
3.5.7 There is more detailed guidance on some of the individual PMS procedures at the
appropriate places within this Manual. As many of those reading this Manual may be new to
Bahrain, or new to their current responsibilities, they may not be familiar with the current
requirements and may, inadvertently, misunderstand them or fail to follow them correctly.
The descriptions in this Manual are intended to assist such users find the most recent
versions of the relevant procedures, so that they may be used correctly. It does not seek to
review, revise or amend the current (or any future) versions of the PMS procedures.
Figure 3.1 Andalus Junction
Figure 3.2 Andalus Junction
2018 44 1st Edition

4 Procedures for dealing with Relaxations and

Departures
4.1 Introduction
4.1.1 There will be cases where, because of restricted sites or the particular
circumstances of a roads scheme or part of a scheme, it may not be possible to comply
entirely with the standards set out in this Manual. Rather than not build the roads scheme at
all or have to demolish property, it may be better to provide a lesser standard of design and
still achieve some level of improvement. The procedures set out in this chapter are intended
to provide a way of achieving this.
4.1.2 Equally, where the designer considers that a different standard should be used,
they must first obtain the approval of the Director RPDD or the Assistant Under Secretary
(AUS) Roads, by submitting the proposed approach to RPDD for approval before
incorporating it into the design. Any such submission should be made in writing and routed
through the Chief, Roads Design in RPDD, or in the case of a roads scheme at an early
stage where the preliminary design is being managed by Traffic Planning & Studies Section
(TPS), through the Chief, Traffic Planning &Studies.
4.1.3 Relaxations and Departures should be used only in exceptional circumstances
where other design options cannot meet the objectives of the roads scheme. They must not
be used as a standard design tool.
4.2 Relaxations
4.2.1 A number of the Parts of this Manual contain provisions for Relaxations where
experience has shown that certain requirements may be varied within defined limits in
particular situations. However, any further variation beyond these limits requires a
Departure. The situations where such Relaxations apply are clearly set out in the relevant
Part of the Manual.
4.2.2 The Designer is responsible for identifying circumstances where Relaxations are
appropriate and for providing a clear and adequate justification for not adopting the full
standard. This must be recorded in the consideration of hazards and risks for that element
of the design.
4.2.3 The Designer must notify the Chief, Roads Design when a Relaxation is
incorporated into the design where a subsequent application for a Departure might be
affected by the proposed Relaxation. The agreement of the Chief, Roads Design must be
obtained before the Designer proceeds with such a Relaxation. This process will be
managed by the Project Manager as authorised by the Chief, Roads Design.
4.2.4 A design incorporating a Relaxation that has been adequately justified in the
particular circumstances for which it has been adopted is an acceptable design in
accordance with Standards.
1st Edition 45 2018

4.3 Departures
4.3.1 Except where Relaxations are permitted, any variation or waiving of a requirement
contained within the Manual must be considered as a Departure from Standard.
4.3.2 Departures may be appropriate in a variety of situations, including where:
(i) The application of a Standard would have unintended adverse consequences,
(ii) An “Aspect not covered by Standards” is identified (see Section 4.4 below),
(iii) Innovative methods or materials are to be used,
(iv) A combination of standard and non-standard parameters is proposed,
(v) A Standard not in the Manual is more appropriate in a particular situation, and
(vi) It can be justified that a requirement of a Standard is inappropriate in a particular
situation.
4.3.3 The Designer is responsible for identifying circumstances where Departures may
be appropriate. A clear and adequate justification for not adopting the full standard must be
submitted to the Chief, Roads Design through the Project Manager when seeking approval
for each proposed Departure.
4.3.4 Applications for Departures must be submitted in accordance with the procedures
specified by the MOWMAUP, and each Departure must be approved before the design is
finalised and before it is incorporated into the works. At the discretion of the Chief, Roads
Design, the Departure approval process may be in stages reflecting the design progress.
4.3.5 An approved Departure shall be considered as meeting the MOWMAUP’s
requirements for that part of the design, provided that any mitigation measures proposed by
the Designer or that are conditions of the approved Departure are also incorporated into the
design and the works.
4.3.6 The approval of a Departure, with or without comments, does not imply that the
MOWMAUP relieves the designer of any responsibility for the design.
4.3.7 Departures are approved on a location-specific basis and relate to the particular
circumstances identified in each submission. A similar Departure approval may be quoted
as a precedent to support a new application, but each case will be considered on its merits.
4.3.8 However, as an exception, the MOWMAUP may allow “block” Departures (when
the same non-standard method or material is proposed for use at more than one location
within a single roads scheme or project) provided the circumstances are identical.
4.4 Aspects not covered by Standards

4.4.1 In some schemes, it may be found that an aspect of the works is not covered by
the existing Manual or Technical Memoranda (see paragraph 6.3.1 below). In such
situations, the designer must submit a Departure application for an “Aspect not covered by
Standards” in accordance with the MOWMAUP’s procedure.
2018 46 1st Edition

4.5 Justification for Relaxations and Departures

4.5.1 The justification for a Relaxation or Departure must include an assessment of the
benefits, any adverse impacts (that is the disbenefits), and the hazards and risks associated
with incorporating the Relaxation or Departure in the design when compared with a design
fully in accordance with Standards.
4.5.2 The main factors to be considered when assessing any proposed Relaxation or
Departure are Health and Safety, which comprise three main elements:
(i) Safety of all classes of road user,
(ii) Health and Safety during Road Works,
(iii) Effects on other persons.
4.5.3 Other factors to be considered include, but are not limited to:
(i) Technical, programme, budget, environmental, innovation, durability, maintenance
and network availability issues,
(ii) The cumulative effect of multiple Relaxations and/or Departures that may affect
the particular submission,
(iii) Any relevant research results and/or details of use in other countries (for example
where innovative methods or materials are proposed),
(iv) The constraints of the design brief.
4.5.4 The benefits of a proposed Relaxation or Departure must clearly outweigh the
adverse impacts.
4.5.5 As part of the assessment, the Designer must consider measures to mitigate each
of the risks associated with the Relaxation or Departure so that any residual risks are “As
Low as Reasonably Practicable” (ALARP).
4.5.6 The whole life of the road scheme must be considered, since adverse impacts may
not be apparent immediately and mitigation measures incorporated into the design may
have unintended consequences at a later stage (for example during operation or
maintenance).
4.5.7 Where Relaxations and Departures are applied the MOWMAUP will monitor and
review the roads project at various intervals. A report detailing the lessons learnt should be
prepared which will be valuable for future schemes of a similar nature and as an input to
preparing Technical Memoranda.
4.6 Non-Compliance with Standards

4.6.1 However, if it is found that any road works have been carried out incorporating any
feature that should have given rise to a Departure without approval having been sought or
granted the organisation that would have been responsible for the Departure application
must promptly notify the Chief, Roads Design with proposals for addressing this non-
compliance.
4.6.2 Designers and contractors should be aware that the Chief, Roads Design is likely
to require them to take any rectification actions that MOWMAUP may specify in order to
address the non-compliance. MOWMAUP also reserves the right to rectify non-compliance
themselves and take any necessary measures to recover the costs incurred.
1st Edition 47 2018

4.7 Interpretation of the Manual

4.7.1 In some other design standards, it may not necessarily be easy to distinguish
between requirements and advice. Mandatory requirements in this document are indicated
by the terms “must”, “shall” and “will”. Advisory guidance is indicated by the terms “may”,
“should” and “would”. This is summarised in Table 4.1 (below).
Table 4.1 Terms expressing mandatory requirements and advisory guidance
Mandatory requirements: Must Shall Will
Advisory comments: May Should Would
4.7.2 The Designer and Contractor must comply with mandatory requirements. If in any
particular case it is not possible to comply, they must agree a suitable Departure from
Standard with the MOWMAUP Roads Affairs (RPDD). The remainder of the Manual
contains advice, explanation and guidance, which is commended to Designers and
Contractors for their consideration.
4.7.3 Notwithstanding the general requirements above, some sections of the Manual
contain specific requirements for Departures and Relaxations that must be followed in
particular cases.
Figure 4.1 CIO Junction at ISA Town
Figure 4.2 CIO Junction at ISA Town
2018 48 1st Edition

5 Content of the Manual
5.1 Introduction
5.1.1 Bahrain already has an extensive modern road network, which forms one of the
most important and valuable public infrastructure assets of the Kingdom. The lifecycle
approach to infrastructure asset management, which is described in greater detail in Part 17
of this Manual (Road Maintenance), identifies five stages in the life of an infrastructure
asset:
(i) Project identification and feasibility studies,
(ii) Planning and design,
(iii) Construction (implementation),
(iv) Operation, maintenance and (where necessary) improvement, and
(v) Disposal (or change of use).
5.1.2 This Manual particularly addresses the requirements at stage (ii), project planning
and design and to a lesser extent the requirements at stage (iv) for road operation,
maintenance and improvement.
5.1.3 The Bahrain Project Management System, which is described in greater detail in
Part 4 of this Manual (Design and Implementation Procedures), identifies five stages in a
road scheme life cycle:
(i) Planning & Consultant Selection,
(ii) Design,
(iii) Tender & Award,
(iv) Implementation, and
(v) Close out.
5.1.4 This Manual particularly addresses the requirements at stage (ii), design and to a
lesser extent the requirements at stage (i) planning and stage (iv) implementation.
5.1.5 Within the Design Stage (ii) there are three main phases (also described in Part 4):
(i) Concept Design (Establish preferred solution),
(ii) Preliminary Design (Further develop the solution & finalise ‘the design’), and
(iii) Detailed Design (Detail ‘the design’ for construction).
5.1.6 This Manual is particularly relevant to stages (ii) Preliminary Design, and (iii)
Detailed Design and can also be used to support stage (i) Concept Design.
5.1.7 The Manual has been structured in five sections covering:
(i) Procedural requirements for Road Projects,
(ii) Technical requirements for Road Projects,
(iii) Technical requirements for Traffic Management,
(iv) Road maintenance requirements, and
(v) Drawings (Standard Details).
1st Edition 49 2018

5.2 Procedural requirements for Road Projects

5.2.1 The first section of the Manual, consisting of five separate Parts, is mainly
concerned with procedural requirements, rather than the detailed technical requirements for
Roads projects:
Part 1 – Introduction,
Part 2 – Planning Procedures,
Part 3 – Scheme Appraisal,
Part 4 – Design and Implementation Procedures, and
Part 5 – Road Safety.
5.2.2 In general the Parts within this section refer to other parts of the Manual for the
detailed technical requirements.
Part 1 Introduction
5.2.3 This first part is the Introduction and provides the context for the whole Manual,
explaining how and why it has been revised from the 1993 version.
5.2.4 It describes the purpose, use and limitations of the Manual setting out the need for
designers of all road projects in the Kingdom to follow these standards.
5.2.5 It explains how the Manual is based on an underlying philosophy which embraces
the concept of sustainable safe road design. Designers and others involved in road design
projects in Bahrain are encouraged to embrace this approach.
5.2.6 It summarises the guidance provided throughout the Manual on designing and
providing for those with various disabilities.
5.2.7 It explains the current MOWMAUP procedures and processes, including the
EDMS, the CPO planning procedures, the QMS and the PMS.
5.2.8 It sets out the procedures for seeking approval from the Ministry for Relaxations of
and Departures from the standards.
5.2.9 It summarises the contents of the Manual.
5.2.10 It explains the procedures for publishing and updating the Manual, including
version control.
5.2.11 It also includes glossaries of the terms and abbreviations frequently or widely used
within the Manual.
Part 2 Planning Procedures

5.2.12 Part 2 provides guidance on the way in which road schemes are planned and
developed in the Kingdom of Bahrain with references to the procedures for road scheme
appraisal (Part 3) and road design and implementation (Part 4).
5.2.13 It sets out the hierarchy of roads in the Kingdom and describes the function and
features of each class of road within the network.
5.2.14 It describes how a publicly funded road scheme proceeds from inception to
concept design.
5.2.15 It gives guidance on the application of the Central Planning Office procedures to
road schemes and projects from the review of masterplans through to the Wayleave
approval process.
2018 50 1st Edition

5.2.16 It covers four specific aspects in more detail:

(i) Public Transport (in the context of the development of an Integrated Transport
Strategy),
(ii) Heavy Goods Vehicles (in the context of planning for and managing the movement
of heavy goods, large vehicles and abnormal indivisible loads),
(iii) Parking policy and procedures (in the context of providing for parking, and
managing and controlling the use of road space for parking),
(iv) Advertisements (in the context of managing and controlling the adverse impacts of
advertising on the road and road users).
Part 3 Scheme Assessment

5.2.17 Part 3 describes the procedures for carrying out the appraisal of road projects in
Bahrain.
5.2.18 It provides guidance on the:
(i) Purpose of scheme appraisal,
(ii) Procedure for scheme appraisal,
(iii) Application to major projects including post project review and reporting
requirements, and
(iv) Application to other projects, including reporting requirements.
5.2.19 Generic formats have been included as Appendices to this Part, in order to assist
the designer to carry out the surveys and investigations to gather the information required to
appraise projects and schemes. They will require modification to suit individual projects.
Part 4 Design & Implementation Procedures

5.2.20 Part 4 describes the MOWMAUP processes and procedures for the design and
implementation of road schemes and sets them in the context of the MOWMAUP’s Quality
Management System (QMS) and Project Management System (PMS). This Part explains
how to apply them to the design and construction phases of road projects.
5.2.21 It describes the three stages of design:
(i) Concept Design,
(ii) Preliminary Design, and
(iii) Detailed Design.
5.2.22 Because the design process runs parallel to the planning process in its early
stages there are numerous cross references between this Part and Part 2.
5.2.23 It describes the procedures following detailed design:
(i) Preparations for handover (for implementation and construction),
(ii) Handover ,
(iii) Tendering,
(iv) Contract supervision and control,
(v) Handover to maintenance (and project close out).
5.2.24 There are two further chapters explaining the application to design of:
(i) Road Safety Audits, and
(ii) Health and Safety policies and procedures.
5.2.25 It includes two Appendices on:
(i) Context sensitive design, and
(ii) An overview of Value Management.
1st Edition 51 2018

Part 5 Road Safety

5.2.26 Although the whole Manual embraces the concept of sustainable safe road design,
Part 5 provides an overview of the Road Safety requirements for the management,
improvement and maintenance of the highway network in Bahrain.
5.2.27 This Part describes how road safety is both a proactive and a reactive process that
relies upon accurate data. Data that are used to identify problems, forecast future trends
and enable the engineer to prepare measures to improve the infrastructure and reduce the
number of crashes and injuries on the Kingdom’s roads.
5.2.28 Part 5 sets out the requirements for road infrastructure safety management, the
process of road safety impact assessment, and the requirements and procedures for road
safety audits.
5.2.29 A number of specific aspects of road safety are considered, and Part 5 refers to
the detailed technical requirements which are described in other Parts of the Manual:
(i) Safety in geometric design (Part 6, Chapters 1, 2, 3 and 9),
(ii) Roadside hazard management (Parts 6 and 15),
(iii) Landscaping (Part 12),
(iv) Advertising boards and structures (Part 2),
(v) Junction strategy (Part 6, Chapters 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8),
(vi) Safety barriers (Part 15),
(vii) Traffic signs and road markings (Part 13), and
(viii) Safety of vulnerable road users (Part 6 and see also section 2.2 of this Part).
5.2.30 It includes detailed guidance on Traffic Calming.
5.2.31 It includes four Appendices covering:
(i) Illustrative Road Safety Audit Report,
(ii) Model Road Safety Audit Issues Guidance Checklists,
(iii) Model Road Safety Audit Review Sheet Template, and
(iv) Example Traffic Calming Measures.
5.3 Technical requirements for Road Projects

5.3.1 The second section of the Manual, consisting of seven separate Parts, is mainly
concerned with detailed technical design requirements for Roads Projects:
Part 6 – Road Geometry,
Part 7 – Geotechnical Investigation and Maintenance,
Part 8 – Pavement Design and Rehabilitation,
Part 9 – Road Drainage,
Part 10 – Highway Structures,
Part 11 – Design of Street Lighting, and
Part 12 – Environmental Assessment and Design.
5.3.2 The particular requirements for infrastructure maintenance are included in four of
them:
Part 7 – Geotechnical Investigation and Maintenance,
Part 8 – Pavement Design and Rehabilitation,
Part 9 – Road Drainage, and
Part 10 – Highway Structures.
5.3.3 There is extensive cross referencing between these Parts and with other Parts of
the Manual.
2018 52 1st Edition

Part 6 Road Geometry

5.3.4 Part 6 is specifically about designing safe road layouts and safe road junctions that
meet the needs of all road users, including motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, heavy goods
vehicles, public transport vehicles, animals with riders and the particular needs of people
with disabilities. It provides advice on the best elements of geometric design and describes
the methods for designing a safe and effective road network within a framework of
sustainable safe road design.
5.3.5 Part 6 has been developed and produced in nine separate chapters:
Chapter 1 – Introduction and General Design Criteria,
Chapter 2 – Link Design,
Chapter 3 – Cross Section Elements,
Chapter 4 – Junction Type, Size and Choice,
Chapter 5 – Design of Priority Junctions,
Chapter 6 – Grade Separated Junctions and Interchanges,
Chapter 7 – Roundabouts,
Chapter 8 – Signal Controlled Junctions (including Signalised Roundabouts), and
Chapter 9 – Highway Features.
5.3.6 There is extensive cross referencing between the various Chapters of Part 6, and
between them and the rest of the Manual.
Chapter 1 – Introduction and General Design Criteria

5.3.7 Chapter 1 is divided into two sections. The first section contains the Glossary of
terms and abbreviations used throughout Part 6 together with a summary of the structure of
the whole Part.
5.3.8 The second section sets out the general requirements for the geometric design of
highways in Bahrain, including guidance on the basic design requirements:
Chapter 2 – Link Design.

5.3.9 Chapter 2 sets out the design criteria for the lengths of road (links) between
junctions. The design criteria for cross sections and junctions are covered in other chapters.
5.3.10 It provides guidance on the following topics and the allowable values for the design
parameters:
(i) Design Speed,
(ii) Sight Distance,
(iii) Horizontal Alignment including parameter values for curvature of the road,
(iv) Vertical Alignment including acceptable values of gradient and minimum,
(v) Co-ordinating horizontal and vertical alignments,
(vi) Single 2 Lane Carriageway Roads,
(vii) Changes in Carriageway Width,
(viii) Existing Single Carriageway Improvements,
(ix) Motorways and Dual Carriageway Roads,
(x) Departures and Relaxations,
(xi) Harmonic Mean Visibility, and
(xii) Streets and other Access Roads.
Chapter 3 – Cross Section Elements

5.3.11 Chapter 3 describes the design principles and process of building up the road
cross section and explains the design process with an illustrative flow chart. The typical
cross sections for the different categories of road within Bahrain are illustrated in Part 18 –
Standard Details.
1st Edition 53 2018

5.3.12 It describes the various geometric elements in detail, including:

(i) Limits of Rights of Way,
(ii) Side slopes,
(iii) Verges,
(iv) Service reservations,
(v) Shoulders,
(vi) Kerbs,
(vii) Clearances,
(viii) Lane widths,
(ix) Central medians, and
(x) Drainage ditches and gutters.
5.3.13 It includes guidance on providing for public transport within the cross section
including high occupancy vehicle lanes, bus lanes and light rapid transit systems.
5.3.14 It describes how to design for the transition between one cross section and
another.
5.3.15 Finally it sets out the requirements for road cross sections and headroom (vertical
clearance) at structures.
Chapter 4 – Junction Types and Choices

5.3.16 Chapter 4 describes the different types of junction and the advantages and
disadvantages of each type.
5.3.17 It advises the Designer on:
(i) Locating New Junctions,
(ii) Siting of Junctions,
(iii) Using Traffic Count Figures to Choose Junction Options,
(iv) Selection of Junction Type,
(v) Junction Design Considerations,
(vi) Capacity of Junctions,
(vii) Generation of Options, and
(viii) Choosing between Roundabouts and Signal Controlled Junctions,
5.3.18 The remaining sections of Chapter 4 advise the Designer on the decision making
process:
(i) The Approach to Decision Making,
(ii) Making Decisions between Options, and
(iii) Making the Decision.
Chapter 5 – Design of Priority Junctions

5.3.19 Chapter 5 describes the design and layout of junctions between roads which are
not controlled by traffic signals but only by give way or stop traffic signs and road markings.
Such a junction can be between any two or more roads at the same or different levels in the
road hierarchy.
2018 54 1st Edition

5.3.20 It describes the form of such junctions and the procedure for designing them,
including a flow chart. It covers their siting, including information on horizontal and vertical
alignment, with sections on safety and the requirements of different types of road user:
(i) Form of Priority Junctions,
(ii) Junction Capacity Calculations,
(iii) Choice of Options,
(iv) Design Procedure,
(v) Choice of Priority Junction at the intersection of a Major with a Minor Road,
(vi) Siting of Priority Junctions,
(vii) Safety, and
(viii) Road Users Specific Requirements.
5.3.21 Chapter 5 includes guidance the various design features and provides values for
each of them, including:
(i) Visibility requirements,
(ii) Radii including swept path requirements,
(iii) Carriageway widths,
(iv) Traffic Islands,
(v) Tapers,
(vi) Stagger distances,
(vii) Skew junctions,
(viii) Left Turning Auxiliary Lanes, and
(ix) ‘U’-Turns on Dual Carriageways.
5.3.22 There follow short sections each refer to the appropriate Parts of the Manual, on:
(i) Drainage and Crossfall (Part 9),
(ii) Traffic Signs and Road Markings (Part 13),
(iii) Road Lighting (Part 11), and
(iv) Landscaping (Part 12).
Chapter 6 – Grade Separated Junctions and Interchanges

5.3.23 Chapter 6 gives guidance on the geometric design of grade separated junctions
and interchanges on limited access highways (defined as motorways in Bahrain) and on
other major roads. It provides an overview of common types of grade separated junctions
and interchanges, describes their basic elements and the design requirements for each
type. It also briefly describes the planning and traffic management considerations
associated with the design of grade separated junctions and interchanges, referring to Parts
2 and 4.
5.3.24 It provides guidance to enable an experienced engineer to produce a satisfactory
design for a grade separated junction or interchange for the range of traffic and physical
conditions that may apply at a site in Bahrain. It covers the geometric design of all the
elements of an interchange including the:
(i) Alignment and cross-section of the highway in the vicinity of the interchange, the
intersecting road and the ramps,
(ii) Merge and diverge slip road terminals with the major road(s), and
(iii) Slip road terminals at the minor road(s).
1st Edition 55 2018

5.3.25 It includes guidance on:

(i) Justification for Grade Separation and Interchanges,
(ii) Design Procedure,
(iii) Types of Grade Separated Junction,
(iv) Other design considerations,
(v) Design Process,
(vi) Connecting Roadways,
(vii) Selecting Merge and Diverge layouts,
(viii) Designing Weaving Sections, and
(ix) Geometric Requirements.
Chapter 7 – Roundabouts
5.3.26 Chapter 7 describes the requirements for the design of roundabouts in Bahrain. It
starts with a general section on the design of roundabouts giving the general principles and
the terminology used
5.3.27 It describes the different types of roundabout and the situations in which they are
most appropriate. It considers safety at roundabouts and the requirements of different types
of road user such as pedestrians, cyclists and the disabled.
5.3.28 It includes guidance on:
(i) Types of Roundabouts,
(ii) Siting of Roundabouts,
(iii) Safety at Roundabouts,
(iv) Design Hierarchy,
(v) Design Process,
(vi) Other Aspects of Roundabout Design,
(vii) Crossfall and Drainage,
(viii) Specific Requirements of Non-Motorised Road Users,
(ix) Design of Road Markings at Roundabouts,
(x) Design of Mini-Roundabouts, and
(xi) Segregated Lanes and Subsidiary Deflection Islands at Roundabouts.
Chapter 8 – Signal controlled Junctions (including signalised roundabouts)

5.3.29 Chapter 8 describes the requirements for the geometric design of signal-controlled
junctions and signalised roundabouts. This applies to new signal controlled junctions and to
existing junctions which are modified or improved to operate with signal control.
5.3.30 It identifies those aspects of signal control which have an effect on geometric
layout design, and which should be considered as part of the design process. It should be
read in conjunction with Part 14 which sets out the requirements for the design, layout,
operation and phasing of traffic signals and associated equipment including traffic signal
controllers and vehicle detection systems.
5.3.31 The layout of priority junctions should be in accordance with Part 6 Chapter 5 and
of signalised roundabouts in accordance with Chapter 7. Additional geometric design
guidance on the application of traffic signals is provided in this Chapter.
2018 56 1st Edition

5.3.32 Chapter 8 includes guidance on:

(i) Geometric Design Features,
(ii) Safety,
(iii) Specific Requirements of other Road Users,
(iv) Junction Arrangements and Operation (T Junctions and Crossroads),
(v) U-Turns at Traffic Signal Junctions,
(vi) Traffic Signals at Roundabouts,
(vii) Layout of Large Signal Controlled Junctions,
(viii) Large Signal Controlled Junctions – Junction Types,
(ix) Preliminary Design and Testing.
5.3.33 It includes an Appendix on:
(i) Specific Terms Used in Traffic Signal Control.
Chapter 9 – Highway Features

5.3.34 Chapter 9 give further guidance on a number of topics including:
(i) Facilities for Pedestrians,
(ii) Pedestrian Crossings (also covered in Parts 13 and 14),
(iii) Developing Facilities for Cyclists,
(iv) Design Parameters for Cyclists,
(v) Adapting Roads for Cycles and Cyclists,
(vi) Off-Roadway Facilities for Cyclists,
(vii) Other aspects of Provision for Cyclists,
(viii) Lay-bys,
(ix) Parking,
(x) Utilities,
(xi) Turning Areas and Cul-de-Sacs,
(xii) Driveways and Accesses.
5.3.35 Particular road layout details are included in Part 18 (Standard Details).
Part 7 Geotechnical Investigation

5.3.36 Part 7 coves the requirements for Geotechnical Site Investigation for Road Design
and the Maintenance of Geotechnical Assets in Bahrain.
5.3.37 Geotechnical investigation involves the collection of available information about a
site and its environment and carrying out informed ground investigation to ascertain the
ground conditions and derive geotechnical parameters for design purposes. The principal
objectives of geotechnical site investigation for highway design are:
(i) Site selection,
(ii) Ground assessment,
(iii) Engineering Design, and
(iv) Managing Risk.
1st Edition 57 2018

5.3.38 Part 7:
(i) Explains the purpose of geotechnical investigation in the context of road design,
(ii) Summarises the geological context in the Kingdom of Bahrain,
(iii) Describes the main methods of geotechnical investigation and their suitability and
relevance for use in Bahrain,
(iv) Describes how to report and interpret the results from geotechnical investigations,
and
(v) Sets out a framework for understanding and managing geotechnical risk.
5.3.39 Part 7 also sets out the requirements for the inspection of roads infrastructure
geotechnical assets, the categorisation of geotechnical features, assigning risk levels, and
the verification/control of associated investigation, monitoring, design and construction
activities.
Part 8 Pavement Design and Rehabilitation

5.3.40 Part 8 provides guidance on pavement design and rehabilitation. In particular it
gives the requirements on:
(i) Pavement design incorporating traffic loading and materials characterisation as
part of an analytical design approach,
(ii) Pavement rehabilitation following the analytical design approach, and
(iii) Footway design.
5.3.41 In detail Part 8 includes guidance on:
(i) The principles of pavement design and failure modes,
(ii) Traffic and materials characterisation,
(iii) Pavement (roadway) design guidance and design charts,
(iv) Pavement (roadway) assessment and rehabilitation design,
(v) The concept of whole life cost and design sustainability, and
(vi) Footway design charts.
5.3.42 Additional background information is provided in five Appendices:
(i) Traffic Data,
(ii) Soil Materials Characterisation,
(iii) Pavement Performance Models,
(iv) Calibration of the Pavement Analytical Design Method, and
(v) Analytical Calculations supporting the Pavement Design Chart.
Part 9 Road Drainage

5.3.43 Part 9 describes the requirements for the design and maintenance of road
drainage systems. There are three basic stages in designing road drainage:
(i) Estimating (calculating) how much rain will fall,
(ii) Designing the road surface to remove water from the road surface as quickly as
possible, and
(iii) Deciding where to put the runoff water and how to convey it to the discharge point.
2018 58 1st Edition

5.3.44 Part 9 covers all aspects of drainage design from the determination of the
catchment areas, to the hydraulic design of drainage structures, and the eventual discharge
of surface water run-off including:
(i) Drainage objectives and design principles,
(ii) Hydrology, including the principles of design using IDF curves,
(iii) Road edge details, including open and closed (pipe) systems,
(iv) Design of drainage pipes, including filter drains,
(v) Chambers, including manholes and catchpits,
(vi) Discharge and disposal, including outfalls, holding tanks and soakaways,
(vii) Hydraulic design of culverts (structural design is covered in Part 10),
(viii) Pump and lift stations,
(ix) Pollution control and attenuation design, and
(x) Drainage design in restricted areas.
5.3.45 Part 9 sets out the requirements for managing road drainage assets, including:
(i) Functional requirements,
(ii) Maintenance requirements,
(iii) Flood management,
(iv) Managing Road Drainage Asset Data,
(v) Drainage surveys,
(vi) Asset Inventory Data,
(vii) Asset Condition Data, and
(viii) Detailed Defect Data.
5.3.46 Part 9 includes four Appendices, setting out worked examples:
(i) Estimating the volume of storm water,
(ii) Detailing a kerb and gully road edge drainage system,
(iii) Detailing a piped road drainage system, and
(iv) Designing the hydraulic capacity of a road culvert.
Part 10 Highway Structures

5.3.47 Part 10 describes the requirements for the design and maintenance of road (or
highway) structures. It does not provide detailed design guidelines for major bridges and
structures, nor does it include the requirements for road safety barriers, which are covered in
Part 15.
5.3.48 This Part provides basic outline design guidelines for road (or highway) structures
including:
(i) The requirements for Technical Approval of proposals (designs),
(ii) The general design criteria for road structures,
(iii) Traffic loading on road structures, and
(iv) The general rules for geotechnical design and the geotechnical design approach.
1st Edition 59 2018

5.3.49 Part 10 gives details for the design of the following specific types of road (or
highway) structure:
(i) Bridges (except major bridges),
(ii) Culverts across natural wadis,
(iii) Substructures,
(iv) Retaining Walls,
(v) Service protection structures,
(vi) Drainage structures,
(vii) Footbridges and subways, and
(viii) Portal and cantilever signs and signal gantries.
5.3.50 Part 10 also outlines the requirements for:
(i) Materials and Components,
(ii) Paints and other Protective Coatings, and
(iii) Inspection and Maintenance.
5.3.51 Part 10 includes three Appendices:
(i) Model AIP forms for the design of highway structures,
(ii) Notes for compiling Technical Approval Schedules, and
(iii) Model Certificates.
Part 11 Design of Street Lighting

5.3.52 Part 11 describes the design requirements for street lighting based on established
practice in Europe, the UK and internationally.
5.3.53 The main purpose of street lighting is to help create a better and safer
environment. Well-designed street lighting can improve safety, reduce crime, improve
commerce, improve the night time scene, and make sustainable non-motorised transport
more attractive and user friendly.
5.3.54 Part 11 sets out the design requirements and gives guidance on:
(i) Lighting design policy, including energy consumption, environmental impacts and
safety,
(ii) Financial appraisal of road lighting schemes,
(iii) Design of lighting layouts in terms of illumination levels, column siting and
distribution cabling requirements,
(iv) Column, luminaire and lamp types,
(v) Foundation details, and
(vi) Passive safety of columns.
5.3.55 Part 11 includes two Appendices:
(i) Items to be considered when calculating the works cost for a road lighting scheme,
and
(ii) Lighting Classes for Different Road Types.
Part 12 Environmental Assessment and Design

5.3.56 Part 12 describes the requirements for Environmental Impact Assessment, and
sustainability, as well as Environment Design and Landscaping. It provides a framework
and guidance for designers producing landscape designs for roads and for the regulatory
authority in assessing designs submitted to them.
2018 60 1st Edition

5.3.57 Part 12 addresses the first two stages of road landscape design:
(i) Background (context and requirements), and
(ii) Components (landscape functions, landscape design elements and plant species).
5.3.58 When developing schemes from the earliest planning stages sustainable methods
should be used particularly in relation to the use of energy, electricity and fuel, and water. A
commitment to sustainable road design and management should be implicit and mandatory
for all developers, both in the public and private sectors.
5.3.59 Part 12 sets out the design requirements and gives guidance on:
(i) Requirements for Environmental Impact Assessment in Bahrain,
(ii) Landscape planning context,
(iii) Particular landscape Issues in Bahrain, including water requirements and
availability, blown sand, glare, noise, inappropriate (unsuitable) vegetation, etc.,
(iv) Safety and visibility requirements,
(v) Objectives of road landscape design,
(vi) Environmental functions of road landscape design, including visual screening,
landscape integration, enhancing the built environment, heritage, nature
conservation and biodiversity, visual and auditory amenity,
(vii) Landscape design elements including grassland and natural surfaces, native
planting, ornamental planting, hedges, trees and hard landscape features,
(viii) The road hierarchy in Bahrain,
(ix) Principles of roadway planting design,
(x) Principles of roadway earthworks design,
(xi) Tree and shrub species for road landscape design; and a
(xii) Landscape Checklist.
5.4 Technical requirements for Traffic Management

5.4.1 The third section of the Manual, consisting of four separate Parts, is mainly
concerned with detailed technical design requirements for Traffic Engineering and
Management:
Part 13 – Traffic Signs and Road Markings,
Part 14 – Traffic Signals and Control Systems,
Part 15 – Road Safety Barriers, and
Part 16 – Traffic Management at Road Works.
5.4.2 The particular maintenance requirements are included in three of them:
Part 13 – Traffic Signs and Road Markings,
Part 15 – Road Safety Barriers, and
Part 16 – Traffic Management at Road Works.
5.4.3 There is extensive cross referencing between the Parts within this section and with
other Parts of the Manual.
1st Edition 61 2018

Part 13 Traffic Signs and Road Markings

5.4.4 Part 13 describes the requirements for Traffic Signs and Road Markings in Bahrain
including the specification requirements for sign materials. It provides extensive guidance to
ensure consistency in the use of signs and markings including:
(i) Details of the design of traffic signs (dimensions, colours) and road markings that
may be used including gantry signs,
(ii) Restrictions on the use of signs and markings,
(iii) Details of the locations signs and markings can be used,
(iv) Details of lighting requirements for signs,
(v) Details of road studs (material, application and specification), and
(vi) Details of bollards and flexible bollards.
5.4.5 Part 16 sets out the requirements for Traffic Management at Road Works and the
design requirements for structures supporting signs are covered in Part 10 (Structures).
5.4.6 It includes 10 chapters covering the requirements for:
(i) Directional Signs,
(ii) Informatory Signs,
(iii) Regulatory Signs,
(iv) Warning Signs,
(v) Road Markings and Road Studs,
(vi) Bollards,
(vii) Sign Illumination and Reflectorisation,
(viii) Performance specification for Sign manufacture, and
(ix) Maintenance of Signs and Road Markings.
5.4.7 It also includes two Appendices:
(i) Schedule of destinations for Road Signs (listing the Primary and Secondary
destinations approved for use in Bahrain); and
(ii) Schedule of Signs and Markings.
Part 14 Traffic Signals and Control Systems

5.4.8 Part 14 describes the requirements for traffic signals and control equipment. It:
(i) Sets out the requirements for the design, layout, operation, phasing/staging of
signals and associated equipment including signal controllers, vehicle detection
systems and pedestrian sensors.
(ii) Includes detailed requirements for traffic signals for pedestrians.
(iii) Includes the process for deciding on the type of sequencing required at a junction,
based on the type of road.
(iv) Sets out the principles, requirements and decision criteria for the design and
implementation of:
a. Simple fixed time sequencing,
b. Localised Vehicle Actuation (VA), and
c. Urban Traffic Control (UTC) systems, including adaptive control.
5.4.9 Part 14 also describes the traffic modelling that should be carried out, depending
on the type of junction and the traffic requirements, to determine the type of traffic control
signalling required.
2018 62 1st Edition

5.4.10 Part 14 includes 8 chapters providing guidance on the requirements for:

(i) Traffic control using traffic signals,
(ii) The justification for Traffic Signals (Traffic Signal warrants),
(iii) Traffic modelling requirements, including static junction models, linked junction
models, micro-simulation modelling, modes of control and safety,
(iv) Pedestrian Signals (Pelicans), including layout, timing periods and modes of
operation, linking with other signalling systems,
(v) Signal controlled junctions (geometric requirements are in Part 6 Chapter 8),
(vi) Signal controlled roundabouts (geometric requirements are in Part 6 Chapter 8),
and
(vii) Urban Traffic Control (UTC) systems including controller configuration,
communications, Outstation Transmission Units (OTU) and the requirements for
additional detectors.
5.4.11 Part 14 includes six Appendices:
(i) Signal Head Layouts,
(ii) Specification for Inductive Loop Detector Cable,
(iii) Specification for Installation of Loops for Traffic Signal Vehicle Detection,
(iv) Traffic Signal Protection Barriers,
(v) Chevron Layouts, and
(vi) Traffic Signal Heads with CLS LED.
Part 15 Road Safety Barriers

5.4.12 Part 15 describes the requirements for road safety barriers (also called vehicle
restraint systems and pedestrian restraint systems) in Bahrain. It:
(i) Explains the purpose of road safety barriers and reviews the approach to providing
(identifying the need, defining and specifying the requirements) for such barriers
and systems in developed countries.
(ii) Develops a risk based approach for identifying where road safety barriers are
needed and what level of provision is required, based on current world best
practice.
(iii) Provides a performance based approach to specification, based on current world
best practice.
(iv) Describes the requirements for the inspection, assessment and maintenance of
existing installations.
1st Edition 63 2018

5.4.13 Part 15 includes 11 chapters providing guidance on the requirements for:

(i) Roadside design, including designing for risk reduction and designing to reduce
hazards (the “forgiving roadside” approach),
(ii) Managing risk, including identifying where Road Safety Barriers are needed,
assessing and mitigating risk, applying the “forgiving roadside” approach,
identifying hazards and how to design barriers as part of road layout,
(iii) The overall approach including terminology and definitions, Road Safety Audits;
Relaxations and Departures from Standard; specification; durability and evaluation
of conformity; and Quality Assurance,
(iv) Permanent road safety barriers,
(v) Vehicle Parapets,
(vi) Terminals,
(vii) Transitions,
(viii) Crash cushions,
(ix) Temporary safety barriers at road works,
(x) Pedestrian Restraint Systems including guardrails and pedestrian parapets, and
(xi) Inspection, maintenance and repair of road safety barriers.
5.4.14 Part 15 includes one Appendix:
(i) Developing a risk based approach for Bahrain
Part 16 Traffic Management at Road Works

5.4.15 Part 16 describes the requirements for safe Traffic Management at Road Works. It
was developed from a draft document prepared by the Road Planning and Design
Directorate of the MOWMAUP (Traffic Management at Roadworks draft 3rd edition,
undated). It draws on well-established practice in the UK and other countries.
5.4.16 Traffic Signs and Road Marking are covered in Part 13 and this Part is based on
Part 13. In order to underline the importance of the temporary signing for traffic
management at road works it has been included as a separate Part of the Manual.
5.4.17 In addition to specifying the traffic signs required for temporary traffic management
at road works Part 16 provides details of the layout of signs, as typical layouts for traffic
management, and of the requirements for inspection and maintenance. It also includes the
procedures and processes to be followed to ensure that road works are coordinated across
the network. They are described in an Appendix.
5.4.18 Part 16 includes 8 chapters covering the requirements for:
(i) Planning the Works,
(ii) Safety of Workforce and Road Users,
(iii) Signing and Marking,
(iv) Works Zone Control,
(v) Types of Restriction and Traffic Management Methods,
(vi) Illumination and Reflectorisation,
(vii) Typical Sign Layouts, and
(viii) Installation and Maintenance.
2018 64 1st Edition

5.4.19 Part 16 includes three Appendices:

(i) Procedural documents referenced in the text;,
(ii) Processes to co-ordinate road works across the Bahrain road network, and
(iii) Schedule of signs and markings.
5.5 Road Maintenance Requirements

5.5.1 The requirements for inspection, maintenance and management are included in a
number of the Design Parts of the Manual as well as in a separate Part 17. Table 5.1
(below) identifies the various Parts of the Manual where inspection, management and
maintenance requirements have been included with the design requirements.
Table 5.1 Maintenance requirements within other Parts of the Manual
Part number and subject Chapter Topic

7 Geotechnical Investigation 5 Geotechnical Asset Management
8 Pavement Design & 5 Pavement Rehabilitation Design
Rehabilitation 6 Whole Life Cost and Sustainability
9 Road Drainage 12 Maintenance of Road Drainage Assets
10 Minor Road Structures 19 Inspection and Maintenance
13 Traffic Signs and Road 10 Maintenance of Signs and Road Markings
Markings
15 Road Safety Barriers 10 Inspection, Maintenance and Repair of
Road Safety Barriers
16 Traffic Management at 9 Installation and Maintenance
Roadworks
Part 17 Road Maintenance

5.5.2 Part 17 describes the requirements for Road Maintenance. It is intended to
support the delivery of high quality, technically sound, maintenance works and services in
due time and within allocated budgets.
5.5.3 It sets out the required practices covering all aspects of the maintenance of roads
and roadside furniture including the requirements for inspection and assessment of road
pavements, and the use of pavement management systems. Where required, this
information is reflected and referenced within the relevant design sections of this Manual.
5.5.4 It explains the importance of roads maintenance in relation to the Ministry’s
strategic and business objectives and describes how roads maintenance is organised and
managed in relation to the Ministry’s Quality Management and Project Management
Systems.
5.5.5 Part 17 includes 17 chapters providing guidance and specifying the requirements
for:
(i) The importance of well-maintained roads, the objectives and scope of roads
maintenance; the importance of inspection, assessment and recording,
(ii) The specific arrangements for the maintenance of roads and footways, road
furniture, bridges and structures, signs, signals and sign gantries, road drains,
street lighting; geotechnical assets (earthworks and soil retaining structures), and
communications equipment,
1st Edition 65 2018

(iii) Strategic and business management (integrating road maintenance with wider
objectives, linking with the MOWMAUP Quality Management and Project
Management Systems and Part 4 of the Manual),
(iv) Road infrastructure asset management, including lifecycle management plans,
(v) Road maintenance management (how maintenance is currently managed in
Bahrain),
(vi) Wayleave and Road Damage Prevention and Control,
(vii) Road pavement maintenance,
(viii) Safety and serviceability inspections,
(ix) Identifying pavement condition,
(x) Pavement condition assessment surveys,
(xi) Falling Weight Deflectometer,
(xii) Pavement Management System (PERS®),
(xiii) Road Maintenance Techniques,
(xiv) Management of Maintenance Projects, and
(xv) Project close out (Part 4 of the Manual).
5.5.6 Part 17 includes Appendices providing further guidance on:
(i) An introduction to Risk Management, and
(ii) Sustainability of Maintenance (a sustainability checklist).
5.6 Drawings
Part 18 Standard Details

5.6.1 This Part of the Bahrain Roads Design Manual (the “Manual”) provides Standard
Details in support of Parts 1 to 17 of the Manual.
5.6.2 It comprises updated versions of those Standard Details originally prepared by
MOWMAUP and included in the 1993 Bahrain Road Design Manual.
5.6.3 For convenience and ease of reference it also includes those wider (than required
in support of Parts 1 to 17) Standard Details prepared by MOWMAUP (Roads Affairs and
Sanitary Affairs).
5.6.4 These Standard Details are arranged in ten Appendices:
(i) General Details,
(ii) Typical Cross-sections,
(iii) Fences and Barriers,
(iv) Road Features,
(v) Traffic Signals,
(vi) Street Lighting,
(vii) Road Drainage,
(viii) Utilities,
(ix) Stormwater Holding Tanks; and
(x) SEPPD Standard Details (2007).
5.6.5 Electronic CAD files are available upon request from MOWMAUP for each of the
Standard Details included in Part 18.
2018 66 1st Edition

Figure 5.1 Mina Salman Industrial Road
Figure 5.2 Mina Salman Industrial Road
1st Edition 67 2018

6 Procedure for Publishing and Updating the

Manual
6.1 Responsibilities for the Manual

6.1.1 The Chief, Roads Design in RPDD is responsible for the publication and updating
of this Manual.
6.1.2 A Manual Manager has been appointed within the Roads Design Section of RPDD
to carry out the duties detailed below under the direction of the Chief, Roads Design.
6.2 The Format of the Manual

6.2.1 This Manual is published in hard copy and in electronic format on the MOWMAUP
website.
6.2.2 Design and Contract Supervising Consultants and Developers can purchase
copies of this Manual in both hard and soft copy by contacting the Admin/FRD section of the
MOWMAUP.
6.2.3 Copies of all issued Technical Memoranda will also be made available in the same
format both in hard copy, within the MOWMAUP on the EDMS (intranet) and on the
MOWMAUP website.
6.2.4 These arrangements are in accordance with the Standard & Specification
Development procedure of the Roads Design Section of MOWMAUP.
6.3 Changes to the Manual

6.3.1 If it becomes apparent that changes need to be made to this Manual, or that, for
example, additional drawings could usefully be added to the Roads Standard Details, the
following procedure will be adopted:
(i) Proposals for additional details and/or amendments shall be directed to the
Manual Manager (see paragraph 6.1.2 above), who will decide in consultation with
the Chief, Roads Design whether it is appropriate to adopt them.
(ii) If the Chief, Roads Design agrees with the proposal the new detail or amendment
will be developed as a draft Technical Memorandum which will be circulated to the
Technical Standards Committee (see Section 6.4 below) for their comment and
approval.
(iii) After receiving comments and incorporating changes where appropriate, the
agreed Technical Memorandum will be passed to the AUS Roads for signature
prior to issue.
(iv) This process will be quick in order to meet the immediate requirements which have
given rise to the request.
(v) These Technical Memoranda will be published on the MOWMAUP website and
also be available for purchase as in paragraph 6.2.2 above.
(vi) If the request is so urgent that not dealing with it immediately would delay a
scheme, the Manual Manager will consult with the Chief, Roads Design about the
use of other international standards such as the DMRB, AASHTO or Austroads if
they contain relevant advice, or have more recently been updated to include such
advice.
(vii) If necessary the Manual Manager will be authorised by the Chief, Roads Design to
undertake or commission research, either by a desk study of best practice or
emerging practice in other countries, or by commissioning research from a
reputable research establishment.
2018 68 1st Edition

(viii) The Manual Manager will be responsible for making sure that, as the Manual is
amended, strict version control is operated. Each revision will be dated and given
a revision number. For minor or simple changes an incremental decimal system
will be used, for example version 1.1 to 1.2. If there is a major or significant
change this will be denoted by a new higher level version number such as 2.0.
6.3.2 Nevertheless, this should not inhibit the Designer or developer from proposing
changes in the light of new knowledge or to satisfy the special requirements of a particular
situation. Road design requires care and judgement to maintain a balance between costs,
impact on the environment and land availability, but road safety is always the main
consideration.
6.3.3 Technical Memoranda will in general deal with issues or information that must be
distributed on a system wide basis to all Designers, both within MOWMAUP and external
consultants. They are also used to provide advance directives with respect to imminent
revision or additions to the Roads Design Manual. Examples are revisions or refinements to
policies, guidelines or criteria.
6.3.4 Project specific amendments to standards will be dealt with under the Departures
from Standards procedure which is described in chapter 4 of this Part.
6.4 Technical Standards Committee (TSC)

6.4.1 In order to manage the process of updating the Manual and approving and issuing
Technical Memoranda the MOWMAUP has established a Technical Standards Committee
(TSC), chaired by the AUS Roads and including senior management from:
(i) Roads Planning and Design Directorate (RPDD),
(ii) Roads Projects and Maintenance Directorate (RPMD),
(iii) Central Planning Office (CPO),
(iv) Materials Engineering Directorate (MED),
(v) Sanitary Affairs (SA), and
(vi) And including selected external stakeholders.
6.4.2 These external stakeholders should include representatives from the:
(i) Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning (MOWMAUP),
(ii) Ministry of Housing (MoH),
(iii) Ministry of Social Development (MoSD),
(iv) Ministry of Transport (MoT),
(v) Ministry of the Interior (General Directorate of Traffic) (MoI - GDT),
(vi) Bahrain Property Developers Association (BaPDA),
(vii) Electricity and Water Authority (EWA), and
(viii) Bahrain Society of Engineers (BSE).
6.4.3 Members of the TSC should be of sufficient standing and authority to give approval
to matters laid before the TSC without having the need to refer them back to their
organisations.
6.4.4 The TSC will meet on a quarterly basis to consider any such proposed changes to
the Manual and draft Technical Memoranda. The Chief, Roads Design (or the Manual
Manager on their behalf) should submit any such proposals to TSC members at least 2
weeks before each meeting. Specific cases requiring more urgent consideration will be
submitted by the Director RPDD to the AUS Roads with his or her recommendation. All
such cases should also be submitted to the next quarterly meeting of the TSC for formal
confirmation of that approval.
1st Edition 69 2018

6.4.5 Amendments to the Manual and Technical Memoranda must be implemented as

soon as they are published, except:
(i) Where otherwise stated in the introduction to, or instructions given with, a
particular document; or
(ii) Where the procurement of works, at any stage from conception through design to
completion of construction, has reached a stage at which, in the opinion of the
MOWMAUP, use of a particular amendment would result in significant additional
expense or delay progress (in which case the decision must be recorded in
accordance with the MOWMAUP’s procedures).
6.4.6 The TSC will be supported by the Manual Manager, whose responsibilities include
not only providing the secretariat for the TSC, but also to keep up to date and on top of
issues that are arising during the planning, design, construction and maintenance of roads
by all clients in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and which may require amendment to the Manual.
If necessary this Manager will institute the necessary research both by searching for best
practice elsewhere or by commissioning a research study. Any issues which arise must be
notified to this person within the Roads Design Division of RPDD.
6.4.7 The Manual Manager will also be responsible for notifying all interested parties of
the publication of any Technical Memorandum or amendment to this Manual. To assist in
that the Manager will keep a list of those who have either purchased a copy or the rights to
use the Manual in their design and supervision activities.
6.5 Legislation
6.5.1 This Manual does not specifically refer to all the legislation that may apply to Road
Works in Bahrain. Anyone engaged in Road Works should comply with all current
legislation in Bahrain.
2018 70 1st Edition

References
Bahrain Roads Design Manual 1993
Abu Dhabi Design Manual Part 1 Section 100: General Information
Austroads Guide to Road Design Part 1: Introduction to Road Design
UK Design Manual for Roads and Bridges Volume 0, GD01/08 Introduction to the DMRB
Standard Specification for Construction Works
CPO planning procedures
TIA Guidelines
National Planning & Development Strategy Bahrain 2030
Developing a National Road Safety Strategy for the Kingdom of Bahrain – Project Report
(August 2007), TRL Limited, (Unpublished Project Report UPR/SSI/042/06)
Integrated Transport Strategy for the Kingdom of Bahrain (2008) Systra / MVA Consultancy
Bahrain ITS Package Report (2007) Hyder Consulting / Isis
Transport for Scotland (2009) Disability Discrimination Act Good Practice Guide for Roads
ADA Accessibility Guidelines (US) Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (2002)
Pedestrian Facilities Users Guide (US Dept. Of Transport) Providing Safety and mobility
(March 2002)
Design Guidance Note (UK) Access for Disabled People
Abu Dhabi Urban Street Manual
The Labour Law for the Private Sector, 1976 Promulgated by AMIRI DECREE LAW NO. 23
OF 1976;
Social Insurance Law promulgated by Legislative Decree No.24 of 1976;
Law on Constructional Organisation of Buildings promulgated by Legislative Decree No.13

of 1977;
And Orders made under the above Laws.
1st Edition 71 2018

BRDM - 2018 - Vol1 - Part1 - Introduction

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

BRDM - 2018 - Vol1 - Part1 - Introduction

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

BRDM - 2018 - Vol1 - Part1 - Introduction

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

BAHRAIN ROADS DESIGN MANUAL

Client The Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain, as represented by

1st Edition 1 2018

Figure 0.1 King Hamad Highway

Figure 0.2 Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Highway

Figure 0.3 Shaikh Salman Highway

2018 2 1st Edition

The Bahrain Roads Design Manual

1st Edition 3 2018

2018 4 1st Edition

6.3 Changes to the Manual ........................................................................................ 68

1st Edition 5 2018

[There is no other text on this page]

2018 6 1st Edition

(i) Look in the glossary for that Part

Definition of terms widely used in this Manual

1st Edition 7 2018

2018 8 1st Edition

1st Edition 9 2018

2018 10 1st Edition

1st Edition 11 2018

2018 12 1st Edition

1st Edition 13 2018

2018 14 1st Edition

1st Edition 15 2018

2018 16 1st Edition

1st Edition 17 2018

2018 18 1st Edition

1st Edition 19 2018

2018 20 1st Edition

1st Edition 21 2018

2018 22 1st Edition

1st Edition 23 2018

2018 24 1st Edition

1st Edition 25 2018

Abbreviations widely used in this Manual

2018 26 1st Edition

1st Edition 27 2018

2018 28 1st Edition

Figure 0.4 Shaikh Salman Highway

Figure 0.5 Dry Dock Highway

Figure 0.6 Gulf of Bahrain Avenue

1st Edition 29 2018

[There is no other text on this page]

2018 30 1st Edition

1.2 Context for this Manual

1st Edition 31 2018

1.2.5 The need to update this Manual was identified because:

1.3 Vision for the Future of the Highway Network in Bahrain

2018 32 1st Edition

1.4 The purpose and application of this Manual

1.5 The use of the Manual

1st Edition 33 2018

2018 34 1st Edition

1.7 The scope of the Manual

1st Edition 35 2018

Figure 1.1 Road Map of Bahrain

2018 36 1st Edition

2.1 Sustainable safe design