RO157.2m for Muscat Expressway Expansion project

Suhail bin Nasser al Nahdi

MUSCAT: The Projects, Tenders, and Local Content Authority, in coordination with the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, has begun requisite procedures for awarding the Muscat Expressway expansion project, from Qurum Natural Park intersection to the Halban intersection, and the Ibra dual carriageway project (Al Yahmadi-Al Qafisi), at a cost of RO 186.3 million. This is part of efforts aimed at improving the efficiency of the road network and enhancing traffic flow.

Engineer Khamis bin Mohammed al Shamakhi, Under-secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology for Transport, said that awarding the Muscat Expressway expansion and Ibra dual carriageway projects is part of the ministry’s strategy to enhance the efficiency of the road network, keep pace with rapid urban and population growth, improve connectivity between governorates, and provide a safe transportation environment.

Engineer Badr bin Salim al Maamari, Chairman of the Projects, Tenders and Local Content Authority, said that the two projects embody the government’s keenness to develop the roads sector as a fundamental pillar of comprehensive development. The combined value of the two projects exceeds RO 186.3 million. The Muscat Expressway expansion project costs more than RO157.2 million, whereas the dual carriageway project in the Wilayat of Ibra costs RO 29.1 million.

The Muscat Expressway expansion project involves the execution of a package of development works, most notably upgrading the Qurum Natural Park roundabout and the Saih Al Malih roundabout to signalized intersections. It also includes developing and widening the road from the Saih Al Malih roundabout to the Halban intersection and connecting it to the Al Batinah Expressway. In addition, most of the entrances and exits of existing bridges will be improved by constructing an additional lane in each direction and a direct exit will be constructed on the Rusayl Bridge for traffic movement from Muscat towards the Burj Al Sahwa roundabout.

The project also involves construction of independent two-lane flyover for traffic movement from the Ruwi to the Muscat Expressway, and at the Al Khoudh 6 intersection for traffic heading from the Muscat Expressway towards Al Kitab Roundabout, and for traffic coming from Al Dakhiliyah Governorate to Sohar.

The Muscat Expressway expansion project is expected to increase vehicle capacity, address traffic congestion during peak hours, enhance road safety as well as reduce commute time. The Ibra dual carriageway project from Al Yahmadi to Al Qufaisi will enhance the efficiency of the existing road and facilitate vehicular movement.