In an exclusive statement to the Oman News Agency (ONA), Eng. Bakhit bin Salem Al-Awaid, Director of the Roads Department in Al Wusta Governorate, confirmed that the value of road maintenance works carried out in the governorate exceeded OMR 152,000 during the past three months. Maintenance works carried out in July amounted to OMR 43,000, while those in August reached OMR 24,700, and maintenance activities in September totaled OMR 85,000. Eng. Al-Awaid explained that the total length of asphalt rehabilitation and repair works completed reached 15.1 kilometers. These works included the treatment of cracks and potholes and the replacement of damaged pavement layers, contributing significantly to enhancing road safety, reducing surface deterioration, and extending the operational life of the roads. He added that 101 poles for traffic signs—including directional, warning, and regulatory signs—were installed in key locations across the governorate, in accordance with approved technical standards to ensure maximum clarity and safety for road users.

Regarding safety enhancements, Al-Awaid stated that the installation and maintenance of metal guardrails and protective barriers covered a total length of 526.7 meters along road shoulders, particularly in sloped and high-risk areas, to prevent vehicle skidding and improve overall traffic safety. The Director noted that riprap protection works were implemented over a total area of 577 square meters in locations affected by water flow and soil erosion, in order to protect road structures from damage and stabilize side embankments, thus ensuring infrastructure sustainability. He further pointed out that road marking works were carried out over an area of 1,650 square meters using high-quality reflective thermoplastic paint, which helped improve lane visibility and driving guidance, particularly during nighttime and adverse weather conditions. Additionally, four new speed humps were constructed and four others were rehabilitated across various wilayats during the third quarter of the current year to enhance road safety.

Al-Awaid added that sand removal operations are being conducted continuously at an estimated daily rate of 1,500 tons in areas prone to sand accumulation due to weather conditions, especially during the Khareef Dhofar 2025 season. To ensure operational readiness, 11 dedicated sand-removal machines have been deployed to work around the clock throughout the season. The department also continues sand and debris clearance year-round to maintain traffic flow and ensure the readiness of vital roads, particularly along coastal and desert routes. Eng. Al-Awaid emphasized that the efforts of the Roads Department in Al Wusta Governorate reflect MTCIT’s commitment to developing and enhancing the road network through the implementation of regular and emergency maintenance projects that ensure infrastructure sustainability and road user safety. The department continues to implement integrated plans aimed at raising the efficiency of transport networks and achieving the highest standards of quality and safety in all wilayats of the governorate.

On the awarding of two major projects—completion of the remaining works of the Sultan Said bin Taimur Dual Carriageway from the Wilayat of Adam to the Wilayat of Thumrait (Phase 1 and 3), and completion of the remaining works of the Sinaw–Mahout–Duqm Project (Phase 1)—Eng. Al-Awaid said: “The project to complete the dualization of the remaining section of the Sultan Said bin Taimur Road covers the stretch from Adam to the center of Haima over a total length of 37.5 km. It includes the implementation of road protection features, installation of directional and regulatory signs, road marking, and the installation of guardrails, concrete barriers, and road reflectors.”

He added: “The project also includes the design and construction of a U-turn exit at the entrance to Qarn Al-Alam, and the dualization of the Haima–Duqm road with a length of 5 km, as well as the construction of a roundabout at the intersection leading to the Camel Racing Track. The project further includes the construction of a service road on both sides of the main Adam–Haima road from Haima Roundabout for a distance of 16 km, in addition to the paving of parking areas for trucks and buses within the Haima Frontage Project over an area of 25,000 square meters, and the development of a service road in front of the Roads Department building and the Office of the Wali with a length of approximately 4.5 km.” Upon completion, this project will finalize the dualization of the Sultan Said bin Taimur Road from Al Dakhiliyah Governorate to Dhofar Governorate.

Regarding the second awarded project, he explained that the completion of the remaining works on the Sinaw–Mahout–Duqm Road Project (Phase 1) will be implemented across seven locations, including the “Masroon Roundabout”. Works include the installation of signage and lighting, the construction of the Sinaw Industrial Area Road leading to Al Mudhaibi, and the completion of works on the truck road and main road—covering protective works, guardrail installation, and signage. This also includes concrete road works in the Samad Al-Shan area, the construction of service roads with a total length of 9 km, as well as the construction of the Al-Khashbah link road spanning a total length of 11 km.