Wadi Bani Khalid – The Wadi Bani Khalid–Aqaba road project in North Sharqiyah has reached 98% completion, with the 9km route costing more than RO13mn, according to the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology.

The road starts in Manakh, near Wadi Bani Khalid Police Station, and ends at Muzayri village in the centre of the wilayat. It is expected to improve mobility, enhance traffic safety and support tourism and economic activity.

Abdulaziz bin Fahd Al Nusairi, Director of the Roads Department in North Sharqiyah, said that the project was an important development for residents and visitors. He described it as an alternative route for Wadi Bani Khalid that would strengthen logistical and economic links, facilitate travel for residents and school buses, and improve connections between villages and residential areas.

The project includes rock excavation, retaining walls, slope protection and rainwater drainage systems designed for the area’s mountainous terrain. The road has two traffic lanes, each 3.5m wide, with 1.5m asphalt shoulders.

Al Nusairi said the new alignment addressed challenges posed by steep gradients and uphill and downhill traffic. The road width has been increased to 12m, and an additional uphill lane introduced to accommodate differences in vehicle speeds and improve traffic flow.

The project also includes 30 drainage culverts — six pipe culverts and 24 box culverts — alongside drainage channels, retaining walls and measures to reduce the risk of falling rocks. Safety features include concrete and metal barriers, directional signs and road markings.

Al Nusairi said the current phase focused on completing outstanding works and checking quality and readiness. The contractual deadline is the end of April 2027, while completion is expected in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to technical requirements.

The road is expected to improve access and support urban, tourism and economic development across the wilayat.