The feasibility study for the project would require no less than three years.

:: The construction of the King Salman Bridge between Saudi Arabia and Egypt has been described as the largest project in the world by Egyptian transport minister Hashim Arafat.

The minister told Al Arabiya TV that the Suez Canal Bridge, completed in 2001, will be connected to the new bridge. The project, however, will require geological, environmental and seismic studies.

According to Arafat, the ministry has mandated Cairo University to perform the studies and some papers have already been submitted.

Furthermore, Arafat stated that the depth of waters at the Gulf of Aqaba, where the bridge would cross, can reach 700 meters which would require great care.

The feasibility study for the bridge would be concluded after a minimum of three years, he said.

Arafat concluded by stressing that the studies being conducted are what will determine if the project will go ahead or a tunnel would be more feasible.