Motorists traveling to Dammam have been suffering from heavy traffic for nine months now due to the closure of the Dammam tunnel. The unfinished tunnel was closed to traffic last December 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 the main road artery that connects the cities of Dammam and Al-Khobar. It is the major route that connects directly to the city center of Dammam. Since its closure motorists going to Dammam have to take series of detours before reaching adjoining districts. A few days after its closure, the Municipality of Dammam announced that everything will be done to expedite the repairs. Since then, however, the municipality has kept mum as to when the tunnel will be reopened to traffic. “We have been told that the only authorized person who could announce as to when the Dammam tunnel will be reopened is the mayor of Dammam Daiffalah Al-Otaibi. He has given instruction that he is the only official who could make such announcement,” a municipal official who requested anonymity told Saudi Gazette. The Dammam mayor is currently on summer vacation and will be back after two weeks. “We hope he will make the announcement soon,” the official said.
