Salalah – Traffic has officially opened on the new Mughsail road and bridge in Salalah, marking a major milestone in efforts to strengthen Dhofar governorate’s road network and improve access to key tourist destinations during the khareef season.

The project was inaugurated on Thursday under the patronage of H H Sayyid Marwan bin Turki Al Said, Governor of Dhofar, as part of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology’s ongoing programme to modernise transport infrastructure and enhance connectivity across the governorate.

During a tour of the project, the governor said Dhofar continues to witness sustained investment in infrastructure projects that support Oman’s comprehensive development agenda while improving services for citizens, residents and visitors.

He described the Mughsail road and bridge as a strategic project that will significantly improve the efficiency of the governorate’s road network, ease traffic flow and provide smoother access to the wilayats of Rakhyut and Dalkhut, as well as Mughsail’s renowned tourist attractions. The project is expected to support tourism, economic activity and regional development, particularly during the khareef season. 

Eng Khamis bin Mohammed Al Shamakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Transport, said the opening of the road and bridge to motorists marks the completion of the first phase of the project.

He added that work will continue on the remaining elements, including landscaping, architectural finishing and a number of supporting construction and service facilities, which are scheduled for completion in the first quarter of next year.

H E Al Shamakhi said the project includes the construction of a 540m reinforced concrete bridge, supported by 17 piers and two abutments, with a height of approximately 12m.

A vehicular underpass has also been built to improve traffic movement to nearby tourist attractions, including the Mughsail waterfront and the famous Marneef Cave, home to the area’s natural blowholes.

The development also features roadside parking areas and a pedestrian promenade ranging from 2m to 7m in width, complete with street lighting.

In addition, the project has been equipped with comprehensive road safety infrastructure, including concrete and steel barriers, directional signage and road markings, all designed in accordance with Oman’s approved road design standards.