In what should provide some relief for motorists, the Bab Al-Bant tunnel on Hail Street in Al-Balad has opened after a four-year revamp.

Jeddah Mayor Hani Abu Ras officially opened the passageway, also known as the Bugshan tunnel, here recently.

Abdulaziz Al-Ghamdi, general manager of Jeddah’s culture and information secretariat, told Arab News that the tunnel was initially closed due to structural defects in its northern and southern parts.

He said heavy rain over the past few years had raised groundwater levels, causing further problems in the tunnel. The Jeddah municipality conducted technical tests to determine the status of the construction and then began the repair work and maintenance.

Al-Ghamdi said workers repaired the tunnel’s concrete, steel of the ceiling, supporting walls, and road. The municipality also extended the lighting and electricity networks, replaced storm water drains and installed a system to treat floodwater inside the tunnel.

He said the tunnel was important because it eliminates traffic congestion and overcrowding caused by vehicles making u-turns in both northerly and southerly directions. It also provides a solution for a safe pedestrian crossing in the east and west.

Al-Ghamdi said the municipality would rehabilitate and improve the pedestrian tunnel and surrounding squares with marble and granite walls, decorative lighting poles, sitting areas with Hejaz umbrellas, irrigation networks, palm trees, wall paintings with night lighting, and several fountains.

The Al-Balad area has heavy traffic congestion because of its many commercial markets.