COWI, who is also principal consultant on the prestigious Muscat and Salalah International Airports Development Project, has been awarded the design and supervision services for the new interchange.

Over the next few years a new airport is to be constructed in the existing airport area. The new airport terminal will be served by a landscaped dual carriageway road, going north-west from the terminal building towards the existing Salalah bypass road. The purpose of the new interchange is to connect these two roads.

By means of a partial clover leaf interchange with adequate approaches providing for safe and unrestricted movement of vehicles in all directions, the interchange will provide for a smooth flow of the traffic generated by the new airport. The Interchange is prepared for widening to a full clover leaf interchange when the city of Salalah expands to the north.

Proposed design and landscaping should also cater for aesthetical values in order to further enhance the natural charisma and beauty of Salalah city.

COWI's has been awarded a contract to undertake the design services, preparation of tender documents and supervision for the interchange.

A popular tourist destination
Salalah Airport is located in the Dhofar region in the southern part of the Sultanate. Salalah City is a popular tourist destination for both local citizens and foreigners, especially from July to September where the Asian monsoon touches the region, making it an unusually attractive location within the normally arid Gulf region.

It is expected that tourism in this area will increase steadily over the next 20 years, adding to the strain on the Airport road network.