MUSCAT, AUG 24
The absence of a signboard indicating a detour or 'road closed ahead' on Al Khuwair service road, where construction work is ongoing, has been causing significant inconvenience to motorists and residents alike, with heavy traffic jams reported during peak hours, according to locals.
“I was caught unawares when I saw the road right in front of me was closed after driving a kilometre or so to take the Centrepoint exit on Al Khuwair service road, located adjacent to Sultan Qaboos Street in Bausher, while heading to an important meeting on Saturday. I had to return and take the side road near Danube, which caused me great inconvenience,” said Sulaiman al Jardani, a resident of Sidab.
The Muscat Municipality, in cooperation with the Royal Oman Police (ROP), had announced both a partial and full closure of the Al Khuweir service road on July 14, 2025, through the media. However, the construction contractor’s failure to install proper signage for the road closure has left motorists and residents unaware, causing ongoing difficulties.
“Not everyone reads newspapers, and one cannot expect that they do,” Al Jardani added, highlighting the challenges faced by commuters who rely on clear signage.
Residents of nearby buildings reported further disruptions, with some having to keep their vehicles parked inside their designated parking lots for 24 hours. Those whose cars were parked outside were unable to access their compounds due to the haphazard closure and excavation work.
“My car, as well as my husband’s, was trapped inside the parking lot for 24 hours when the road was fenced off for digging on August 5. We only managed to go out by requesting a friend to help us run errands,” said Dhanya Manoj, a teacher and resident of one of the nearby buildings.
“Usually, notices are placed or residents are informed via SMS. In this case, we received neither, which left us unable to access our cars,” she added.
Another resident expressed frustration, stating that he could not find any signage indicating the road closure and often had to drive up and down, only to be forced to reroute. This service road serves as the only exit for his family to reach Sultan Qaboos Street for daily commuting.
When contacted, authorities confirmed that the closure is part of the ongoing Al Khuwair Path Improvement Project, which aims to enhance road infrastructure and improve traffic flow in the area.
Partial closure of the road was implemented from the morning of Monday, July 14, 2025, until the morning of Tuesday, July 15, 2025, while full closure began on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, and remained in effect until the morning of Tuesday, July 22, 2025. Despite this, the absence of signage at least 200 metres ahead of the construction site continues to cause inconvenience to both motorists and residents using this route.
The lack of clear communication and advance warning has left many residents and daily commuters frustrated, emphasising the importance of proper signposting to ensure smooth traffic flow and public safety during ongoing construction projects.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
