Muscat – As part of its efforts to reduce traffic congestion in the city, Muscat Municipality will build bridges and tunnels and widen Muscat Expressway to five lanes, according to Khalifa al Siyabi, Director of Directorate General of Afforestation and Projects.

According to Siyabi, Muscat Municipality will undertake expansion projects and build tunnels and bridges in various areas of Muscat in implementation of Royal Orders.

The municipality is in the final stages of designing bridges and tunnels for Sahwa Tower (Burj al Sahwa Roundabout). The project aims to direct traffic from Muscat and Nizwa in both directions without going through the roundabout.

Siyabi also informed that the municipality will float a tender in the beginning of 2023 for the expansion of Muscat Expressway to five lanes in both directions from the existing three. The project is expected to start in the second half of 2023.

Additionally, the municipality will start widening the Al Ansab-Jifnain Road (Phase Two) in the first quarter of 2023. The project aims to boost efficiency of the road by constructing three lanes in both directions from Falaj al Sham in the wilayat of Bausher to Jifnain in the wilayat of Seeb, besides converting existing roundabouts into tunnels and flyovers.

“The work, expected to last 24 months, will enhance development in the governorates of Muscat, Dakhliyah and North Sharqiyah. The project will serve the urban areas along the road,” he said.

To enhance traffic flow in the city, the municipality will also implement a project to widen Al Mouj and 18th November streets with an additional lane in each direction, besides transforming the roundabouts at Al Mouj, Bahja and Ishraq in North Al Hail into high-capacity signal intersections. “The projects will be implemented in 2023 and completed in 18 and 20 months,” Siyabi said.

“All the projects attempt to enhance access and mobility in the city in all climatic conditions, and stimulate economic growth and prosperity of surrounding establishments,” he concluded.