Kuwait Announces Five-Day Traffic Closure at Fifth Ring Road
The Kuwait Ministry of Public Works, in collaboration with the General Directorate of Traffic, has announced a significant five-day traffic closure at the interchange of Fifth Ring Road and King Fahd Road (Road 40). The maintenance work is scheduled to begin at 10:00 PM on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, and will continue until 6:00 AM on Sunday, September 20, 2026.
* Five-day traffic closure at Fifth Ring and King Fahd Road
* Work starts September 15 and ends September 20, 2026
* Maintenance coincides with the new academic year
* Drivers urged to use navigation apps and follow police instructions
Lane Restrictions and Bridge Closures
During this period, several lanes, entries, exits, and a bridge will be restricted to facilitate asphalt maintenance. On Fifth Ring Road, the road shoulder, slow lane, and a portion of the middle lane will be closed. Additionally, the entry and exit points connecting Fifth Ring Road to King Fahd Road will be impacted. Notably, the bridge directing traffic from King Fahd Road toward Fifth Ring Road in the Salmiya direction will be closed for the duration of the maintenance.
Impact on School Year and King Fahd Road
The timing of these roadworks coincides with the start of the 2026-27 academic year, which has already increased traffic density during peak hours. The General Traffic Department has increased patrols and field monitoring across major roads and school zones to manage the influx. Motorists are advised that these closures may cause significant delays, particularly as they overlap with ongoing lane restrictions on King Fahd Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Road. Since August 30, the fast and middle lanes on King Fahd Road have been closed from the First Ring Road intersection to beneath the Second Ring Road bridge in the Al Ahmadi direction, a measure originally announced for a 20-day duration.
Alternative Routes and Driver Advice
Authorities have not designated a single universal alternative route, urging drivers to rely on navigation applications, temporary diversion signs, and the instructions of traffic officers on-site. Drivers are cautioned to avoid last-minute lane changes near maintenance zones to prevent accidents. Commuters are advised to allocate extra time for travel during the closure, as the reduced road capacity is expected to impact traffic flow throughout the work week until Sunday morning. Residents are encouraged to monitor live traffic updates and official notices from the Kuwait General Traffic Department for any changes to road conditions.