Muscat: The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology today signed an agreement for the Al Mouj Road Development Project in the Wilayat of A’Seeb, Muscat Governorate, and the related section of 18th November Street, with a total cost exceeding RO 44.940 million. The agreement was signed on behalf of the Ministry by Eng. Said bin Hamood Al Ma’awali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, and on behalf of Strabag Oman by Sheikh Hamid bin Abdulqawi Al Yaf’ei, the company’s Executive Director.
According to Oman News Agency, the project aims to raise traffic efficiency, improve traffic flow, and enhance commercial, economic, and tourism activity. Key components of the project include adding a third lane in each direction of the road from Muscat International Airport Bridge to Al Ishraq Roundabout, constructing a bridge and a four-way traffic light intersection at Al Mouj Roundabout, and constructing an overpass roundabout and a vehicle underpass at the existing Al Bahja Roundabout. Additionally, Al Ishraq Roundabout will be developed into a three-way traffic light intersection, and a third lane will be added from Al Mouj Roundabout to Al Mawaleh Bridge, along with two vehicle underpasses for traffic heading from 18th November Street to Al Mawaleh Bridge.
Eng. Khamis Mohammed Al Shamakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Transport, explained that the project will enhance the efficiency of roads in Muscat Governorate by reducing traffic congestion. The project was redesigned and a traffic congestion simulation model was executed to achieve optimal results, in cooperation with relevant parties, including the Royal Oman Police (ROP).
Al Shamakhi stated that the implementing company will begin with initial preparations for the project over the next two months, after which actual construction will commence. The project is expected to be completed within 30 months. He highlighted that managing vehicle traffic is essential and will involve temporary diversions, working during off-peak hours, and opening sections of the project immediately upon their completion.
Regarding the Muscat Expressway, he mentioned that the tender process is underway, with significant progress in tendering, receiving offers, financial analysis, and financial approvals. Current efforts are focused on finalizing procedures with the Projects, Tenders and Local Content Authority.