Korre–Shaqlawa–Qandil Road Nears Completion, Set to Open Within a Month
The project, costing more than 90 billion Iraqi dinars (approximately $69 million), includes two tunnels and three interchanges designed to improve traffic flow and road safety.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – More than 90 percent of the Korre–Shaqlawa–Qandil dual carriageway project has been completed, with the road expected to open to the public in less than a month, the project's supervising engineer said on Tuesday.
Halgurd Wali told Kurdistan24 that the 10-kilometer road is expected to reduce travel time between Erbil and the Soran Independent Administration by approximately 30 minutes.
The project, costing more than 90 billion Iraqi dinars (approximately $69 million), includes two tunnels and three interchanges designed to improve traffic flow and road safety.
Wali said lighting and other facilities at the Mirawa Tunnel have been completed, and the tunnel is already open to the public. Work on the Mawaran Tunnel is continuing at an accelerated pace as the project approaches completion.
An emergency lane is also being constructed at the fifth kilometer of the road to help large goods vehicles experiencing brake failure slow down and regain control, reducing the risk of accidents.
The engineer added that road safety measures have been incorporated into the project, while the three interchanges are intended to ease traffic congestion and make journeys safer and more convenient for drivers.
The project is being implemented by a local company using a local workforce. Once operational, the road is expected to improve connectivity between Erbil and the Soran Independent Administration, facilitate travel for residents and visitors, and ease traffic congestion in the Soran Independent Administration.
The project forms part of broader efforts to upgrade road infrastructure in the Kurdistan Region, improve connections between urban centers and outlying areas, and reduce travel times through modern highways and safer transport routes.
The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is undergoing a massive infrastructure push, often dubbed the "road revolution," with over 700 road projects implemented since the ninth cabinet took office. Spearheaded by the KRG Ministry of Construction and Housing, these strategic projects are designed to boost regional trade, tourism, and safe transit between primary governorates and rural areas.