The repair work at the closed Dammam–Khobar underpass tunnel near Dammam Sports Stadium is moving at a snail's pace. The slow repair job has been a burden to motorists everyday for over a month now since the work started. Motorists, who have been endlessly complaining of traffic jams due to the closure of the tunnel, have to endure chaotic traffic snarls every morning and evening during rush hours. Municipal officials have kept mum as to when the tunnel will be completed. “Everything is being done to complete the repairs, but it all depends upon the contractor, and therefore we cannot tell the public exactly when the repair work will be completed,” said Hussain Belushi, public relations manager of Dammam Municipality. Sources said, however, the tunnel could be completed in four to six months. The Dammam-Khobar tunnel was closed to traffic completely on Dec. 25 to undergo major repairs to prevent water leakage from the side walls of the tunnel and from underground, as well as to fix falling ceramic tiles and lighting facilities that no longer work. The tunnel, which took about two years to complete, is on the main road artery that connects the cities of Dammam and Al-Khobar. To ease and control the traffic, traffic police opened new roads and installed traffic lights at Dammam Stadium, Nassariya, and Madinathul Ummal districts and areas close to the tunnel. Nevertheless, traffic problems continue to haunt motorists. Another tunnel being built in Ibn Khaldoon district connecting the airport road has remained unfinished. It has been under construction for over a year now and is contributing to traffic jams within Dammam city.
