Ashghal’s ambitious overhaul of Salwa Road is going to take months longer than initially expected, sources have told local media.

The four-part, $436.7 million project, which includes converting four of the busy road’s roundabouts into intersections, has been a nightmare for motorists and shop owners since construction began in July of 2010.

The development, which also entails streetlight installation, the laying of huge sewer pipes and the expansion of the Salwa International Highway to Saudi Arabia, was expected to be completed at the end of this year by Yuksel-Midmac.

But some store owners have told Gulf Times that April 2013 looks more likely:

Though the initial target was a December 2012 completion, it is understood that the work got delayed on account of the massive scale of the project and the intense summer heat.

We have heard from some people connected to the project that it would be definitely completed by April 2013,” a shopkeeper said (Friday).

His shop is one of the hundreds affected by the road development project and hence has restricted access until the work is over.

Meanwhile, all four roundabouts have been converted into intersections: Ain Khalid, Al Bustan and the Central Market, with Al Aziziya opening most recently.

Anyone have any tips on surviving Salwa these days?

Credit: Image courtesy of Ashghal

This article has been corrected to reflect that all R/Bs have been converted into signals.