$483m Allocated for Expansion of Muscat Expressway and Ibra Carriageway

Muscat, Oman: The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, in coordination with the Projects, Tenders and Local Content Authority, has awarded contracts valued at $483m (RO186.3m) for two major road projects designed to ease congestion and enhance connectivity across the sultanate.

The agreements include the expansion of the Muscat Expressway from the Qurum Natural Park intersection to the Halban intersection, as well as the Ibra Road dual carriageway project (Al Yahmedi–Al Qafisi). The Muscat Expressway expansion represents more than USD 408m (RO157.2m) of the total investment, while the Ibra dual carriageway project is valued at $6.7m (RO29.1m).

H.E. Khamis bin Mohammed Al Shamakhi, Undersecretary for Transport, said the projects represent a strategic step toward enhancing the efficiency of the national road network in line with rapid urban and population growth. He noted that the developments will strengthen connectivity between governorates and contribute to a safer and more efficient transport environment.

According to Badr bin Salem Al Maamari, Chairman of the Projects, Tenders and Local Content Authority, the two projects highlight the government’s continued focus on developing the roads sector as a key pillar of comprehensive development.

The Muscat Expressway expansion includes converting the Qurum Natural Park and Saih Al Malih roundabouts into signalised intersections, widening the section up to Halban, and connecting it with the Al Batinah Expressway. The works will also involve adding extra lanes at most bridge entry and exit points, constructing a direct exit to Rusayl Bridge for traffic heading towards Burj Al Sahwa, and building new overpasses to improve traffic flow from Ruwi, Al Khoudh 6 and Dakhliyah towards Suhar.

Upgrades will also be implemented along the service roads from Ghubrah to Mabelah to improve traffic merging.

The Muscat Expressway project is expected to increase road capacity, ease peak-hour congestion, improve safety and shorten travel times, while the Ibra dual carriageway will enhance connectivity within North Sharqiyah and neighbouring governorates.