SUR : For more than three decades, the Sur roundabout was more than concrete and asphalt. It was a meeting point, a directional cue, and a quiet symbol woven into the daily rhythm of life in Sur. Drivers used it as a reference, residents spoke of it with familiarity, and generations grew accustomed to passing it on their way to work, school, or home.

That chapter has now closed.

Authorities in Oman’s South Al Sharqiyah governorate have removed the long-standing roundabout to make way for a signalised intersection, part of a broader effort to modernise roads and prepare the wilayat for rising traffic volumes.

Munir bin Ahmed Al Alawi, Director of Roads in the South Al Sharqiyah Governorate, said the attachment many residents felt toward the structure was “symbolic and emotional,” shaped by years of everyday use.

“It became a landmark and a traffic reference point for people,” he said, speaking in an interview with Al Wisal Radio. “But development sometimes requires difficult decisions.”

According to Al Alawi, the removal was not about erasing a symbol, but about responding to practical realities. The roundabout conflicted with new road alignments, elevation requirements, and the relocation of essential services.

“The structure stood in the way of planned road routes and the transfer of utilities such as electricity, water and telecommunications,” he said.

As Sur continues to expand and vehicle numbers grow, traffic studies showed the roundabout had begun to work against its original purpose.

In its place, authorities are building a signal-controlled intersection designed to improve traffic flow, particularly during peak hours. Studies indicated that several roundabouts in the area had turned into bottlenecks, contributing to congestion rather than easing it.

The new junction is expected to bring greater order and predictability to traffic, supported by road upgrades that include converting sections from single to dual carriageways.

The former roundabout sits at a key junction, linking traffic from the LNG Company roundabout toward ongoing development projects, while also connecting routes to Al Kamil and Al Wafi, Jaalan Bani Bu Ali and Ibra.

“This is a vital traffic node,” Al Alawi said. “It serves multiple wilayats and plays an important role in safety and connectivity.”

Construction is already under way, with officials saying progress has moved ahead of schedule. The project is expected to be completed by the end of October, though efforts are ongoing to deliver it even sooner.

Removal of the roundabout has been completed, and crews have begun relocating underground utility lines to clear the way for the new intersection.

Acknowledging the sense of loss felt by some residents, Al Alawi urged the community to view the change as part of Sur’s longer journey.

“Our goal is better roads, safer movement, and smoother traffic,” he said. “This project is about improving daily life and supporting development, not just for today, but for the years ahead.”

As Sur evolves, the roundabout may live on only in memory a familiar marker of the past, giving way to signals guiding the city’s future.

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