MUSCAT: The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT), in coordination with the Projects, Tenders and Local Content Authority, has awarded two major road infrastructure projects valued at more than RO 186.3 million, covering the expansion of the Muscat Expressway and the dualisation of a key road in Ibra.
According to Eng Khamis bin Mohammed al Shammakhi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Transport, the projects form part of the ministry’s strategy to strengthen the efficiency of the national road network in line with urban and population growth. They also aim to enhance connectivity between governorates while ensuring safer and more efficient transport infrastructure.
The Muscat Expressway expansion project, stretching from the Al Qurum Natural Park intersection to the Halban intersection, represents the largest share of the investment with a cost exceeding RO 157.2 million.
The project involves a wide package of upgrades, including converting the Al Qurum Natural Park and Saih Al Malih roundabouts into signalised intersections to improve traffic movement. The road between Saih Al Malih and Halban will also be widened and upgraded, strengthening connectivity with the Al Batinah Expressway.
Works will further include improving bridge access points by adding additional lanes, creating two lanes in each direction for several entry and exit ramps. A direct exit will also be constructed at the Al Rusayl Bridge for vehicles travelling from Muscat towards the Burj Al Sahwa roundabout, easing congestion along this busy corridor.
Additional overpasses will be developed to separate traffic flows at key junctions. These include a two-lane flyover for traffic coming from the Ruwi area towards the Muscat Expressway and another at Al Khoudh 6 to facilitate smoother movement towards Al Kitab Roundabout.
The design also allows vehicles travelling from Al Dakhiliyah Governorate towards Suhar to bypass intersecting traffic flows heading in the opposite direction, improving safety and reducing bottlenecks.
Complementary improvements will also be implemented along the CD-Road from Al Ghubra to Al Maabela, easing entry and exit movements from overpasses onto the main carriageway.
Meanwhile, the Ibra road dualisation project, covering the Al Yahmadi–Al Qufaisi section, has been awarded at a value of RO 29.1 million. The project is expected to enhance the efficiency of the existing route, support smoother traffic flow and strengthen road connectivity within Al Sharqiyah North Governorate and neighbouring regions.
Eng Badr bin Salim al Maamari, Chairman of the Projects, Tenders and Local Content Authority, said the two projects reflect the government’s continued focus on developing the road sector as a key pillar supporting economic growth and comprehensive development.
Once completed, the projects are expected to increase road capacity, reduce congestion during peak hours, enhance safety standards and shorten travel times across major transport corridors. — ONA
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