Oman traffic: Al Batinah Expressway’s first part to open soon

Muscat: Commuters will save more time travelling from Barka to Rustaq as the Al Batinah Expressway’s first package is nearing completion and is set to open on March 5.
The expressway offers a convenient driving experience as it will take commuters directly to the town instead of them having to make a detour to reach their
destination.
The 45km section of the Batinah Expressway, which connects Wilayat of Barka to Al Hazm and Wilayat of Rustaq will be opened on Sunday morning.
Dr. Ahmed Al Futaisi, Minister of Transport and Communications, had previously said that the 269 km expressway is expected to be complete by the end of 2017.
With package 1 already nearing the opening stage, the five remaining packages are yet to be completed. Package 2 covers a distance of 42 km between the Wilayat of Rustaq and Wilayat of Suwaiq, while package 3 covers 46 km from the Wilayat of Suwaiq to Wilayat of Saham. Package 4 stretches 50 km from the Wilayat of Saham to the Wilayat of Sohar, merging into package 5, which continues for another 41 km to the Wilayat of Liwa.
Package 6, which is a 45 km stretch from the Wilayat of Liwa to Khatmat Milaha, includes 136 via ducts, two overpasses, four wadi crossing bridges and four intersections.
Upon completion of the expressway, commuters will be able to travel faster and save more time while travelling to the United Arab Emirates.
The expressway will feature four wide lanes, which will offer extra space for driving adjustments and safer conditions for a long haul drive, compared with the two-lane Sultan Qaboos Highway.