The underpass along King Abdullah Road in the capital’s Al-Hamra district, which opened to motorists recently, has eased the flow of traffic in the area.

Arthur S. Gallos, an expat who works for a bookstore chain, said that he and his co-employees need not hurry anymore in the morning to report for work.

“When the underpass was still under construction, it took us more than 30 minutes to reach the office although we live in nearby Al Yarmuk area,” he said.

“The opening of the underpasses has provided a great sense of relief to residents in the area. The noise of heavy machinery emanating from the crane and backhoe has subsided now.

It was exacerbated by the noise caused by passing cars,” said Um Sara, an Arab mother who lives with her family in the area.

The underpass, which extends along 500 meters long approximately, is located along the southern part of King Abdullah Road.

Earlier, two underpasses in the northern part were also opened to motorists.

Business establishments were also relieved with the opening of the underpass.

“Business has picked up since the underpass was opened, as it has allowed greater mobility to our customers. Before, they had to park some distance off to reach our restaurant to dine,” said the Asian supervisor of a fast-food chain.

He added that with the removal of the mounds of rocks and soil from the underpass, customers could park near the restaurant.

The staff of a well-known coffee shop also expressed similar sentiments.

“Our sale proceeds have witnessed a rise, in contrast to the slowdown experienced when the underpass was being constructed,” he said.

Meanwhile, Khaled Al-Jibrin, a Saudi employee at a local telecommunications company who commutes regularly on that road said, “Previously I had to take short cuts from my residential area in Mursallat District to go to Al-Hamra.

With the underpass now open for motorists I don’t need to take detours; I can take King Abdullah Road, which allows me to get to my house quicker.”