Kuwait Ministry of Public Works appoints Parsons Brinckerhoff in road improvements

The Kuwait Ministry of Public Works (MPW) has made it a priority to ensure Kuwait's infrastructure keeps pace with the nation's fast-growing economy. To support the Ministry in this effort, the MPW has selected Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB) to provide conceptual design and construction supervision for the upgrade of a major connector road, Nawaseeb Road (Route 40). Currently a rural road, the upgrade will result in a 6-lane divided highway with five interchanges and grade separated U-turns.

The 42-kilometre section of Nawaseeb Road under study is an important component of Kuwait's major road network, particularly as new towns, a military base and a naval base are planned in the vicinity. In addition, Nawaseeb Road is a major trade crossing border between the State of Kuwait and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Anas Kassem, Director of Transportation for PB's Middle East region, notes:

"The improved highway will create better access and safer passage for residents, commuters and tourists, as well as shippers using the road for cross-border goods movement."

The nature of the programme requires coordination with more than a dozen public authorities and private companies as stakeholders, including housing, education, and transport authorities, as well as petroleum companies conducting activities in the area.

Once the conceptual design is approved, the programme will move into the second phase, during which PB will support the MPW in development of tender documents, selection of the preferred contractor, design review and construction supervision. The conceptual design is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2009, and construction will start in early 2010.

PB's project manager is Salman Ahmad, supported by deputy managers Raed Hanafi and Mohamad Nazier. The engagement follows other programmes delivered by PB in Kuwait, including the First Ring Road, now under construction.

Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB) is a leader in developing and operating infrastructure around the world, with 13,000 employees dedicated to meeting the needs of clients and communities in the Americas, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Australia-Pacific regions. PB offers skills and resources in strategic consulting, planning, engineering, programme/construction management, and operations for all modes of infrastructure, including transportation, power and water, buildings and infrastructure, and the environment.