MUSCAT — Roadworks and temporary closures in Al Khuwair are disrupting daily journeys for commuters, with congestion affecting travel to offices, the return home and access to restaurants during busy periods.

The disruption extends beyond the morning rush, with motorists also facing difficulties navigating the area at lunchtime and in the evenings.

“It has become difficult, especially at lunchtime and in the evenings, as there are many restaurants in Al Khuwair. With the roads temporarily closed, it is difficult to get to that part of the area,” Mohammed Al Hashmi said.

Muscat Municipality introduced a temporary traffic diversion on November 4, in coordination with the Royal Oman Police, affecting vehicles exiting Sultan Qaboos Street towards Al Khuwair’s service road.

Under the arrangement, traffic moves in one direction up to the intersection before Al Zawawi Mosque. A section of the service road in front of the mosque is closed in both directions to allow construction work to proceed.

The restrictions follow changes introduced on October 22, including the closure of one lane at the exit leading beneath the Ministries Interchange Bridge for motorists arriving from Seeb.

Vehicles travelling east of the bridge towards Al Khuwair Street were redirected through Dohat Al Adab Road and an adjacent internal road.

For commuters using the affected routes, the closures have complicated journeys both to work and home, while Al Hashmi’s account highlights the difficulties reaching restaurants during busy dining hours.

The municipality has urged motorists to exercise caution and follow directional signs and traffic instructions around the construction site. Its November 4 announcement did not specify a reopening date for the affected section.