Muscat to Transform Al Salam Street with New Tunnels
Muscat Municipality has officially entered into an agreement to undertake a major upgrade of Al Salam Street in the Wilayat of Al Seeb, a move designed to significantly reduce traffic congestion in the busy corridor.
The implementation agreement was signed by Ahmed bin Saeed Al Amri, Chairman of Muscat Municipality, in partnership with AZ Engineers and Partners. The project targets two critical junctions that currently experience high volumes of traffic.
Major Infrastructure Upgrades Planned
The redevelopment focuses on two high-traffic areas to ensure smoother movement for vehicles:
- The Industrial Roundabout (Dawar Al Sina'iya): At the intersection of Al Salam Street and Al E'mar Street, a new tunnel will be constructed. This tunnel will feature two lanes in each direction, with additional width reserved to accommodate a third lane in the future. The design also includes two-lane elevated ramps, overpasses, and upgraded connecting roads.
- Al Salam and Al Khair Street Junction: A second tunnel will be built at this signalized junction. Similar to the first, it will provide two lanes in each direction with space for future expansion. This site will also feature two-lane elevated paths and unsignalized free-turn lanes to enhance traffic flow.
Strategic Future-Proofing
According to Chairman Ahmed bin Saeed Al Amri, the project is not just about solving today's problems but preparing for the growth of the region. By designing the tunnels and ramps to include extra space for future lanes, the municipality aims to prevent the need for disruptive and costly construction in the years to come.
"The design is intended to accommodate both current traffic volume and future growth," noted Al Amri, emphasizing that reserving space now will save significant costs and prevent future construction disruptions.
What Commuters Need to Know
The Al Salam Street corridor is a vital artery for residents in Al Khoud, Mawaleh, Al Hail, and Al Maabela. It is also a primary route for many expatriate workers commuting toward the Rusayl Industrial Estate and local schools.
While no official completion timeline or contract value has been released, officials have issued a warning to road users. Once construction begins, motorists should expect:
- Frequent lane shifts.
- Temporary traffic signals.
- Slower travel speeds during the initial phases of the project.