Work on new Amerat interchange begins in Oman 

(MENAFN - Muscat Daily) Construction of the new interchange at Al Mahaj roundabout in Amerat has begun. The move has been welcomed by residents, who have complained of long rush hours at the roundabout.

Traffic from Bausher, Wadi Adai and Quriyat merges at Al Mahaj roundabout and construction of the interchange is expected to ease congestion.

The new flyover parallel to the existing road will serve motorists driving between Amerat and Wadi Adai, while an offshoot of this flyover will be built to connect Amerat and Bausher.

An artist's impression of the new interchange

''As part of the project, the existing Al Mahaj roundabout will be removed to build flyovers and a third lane will be added to existing roads to ease traffic. The new network of flyovers will be constructed as per global standards,'' a Muscat Municipality official said.

The existing road between Amerat and Quriyat will continue to have traffic signals.
According to residents, the current roundabout is chock-a-block especially in the mornings. ''The roundabout is the only gateway to Muscat and it is difficult to navigate it during the morning rush, when I take at least 45 minutes to cross the roundabout. It is the place where all vehicles from Amerat and Quriyat heading towards Bausher and Wadi Adai meet,'' said Salim al Tauqi, a resident of Amerat. ''We are happy that the municipality has considered building a multi-level flyover. This is a relief for many.''

''Traffic congestion is at its peak in the mornings and evenings, when people travel to and from their office,'' the Muscat Municipality official said. ''As part of the project, drainage systems and wadi network in the area will also be developed. Street lights will also be improvised in the area and its adjoining streets,'' he a