DAMMAM: Residents and motorists are complaining that there seems to be never-ending construction and excavation of roads taking place in Dammam city, which is disturbing the peace and causing traffic jams. Motorists are finding it difficult to drive on the little space left. Most of the roads are divided in half by red and white drums or concrete blocks which mark the border of the road and the digging area. Residents living in these areas are also complaining about the loud noises made by the heavy equipment used for drilling and other works. Most parts of Prince Mohammed Bin Fahd Road, King Abdullah Road, Fadel Bin Sahel Street, Mazroeah area, Toyota and 91 areas, Jubail highway, Dhahran Road and the Airport Road are where either construction or excavation projects are taking place. In Toyota and Airport roads, the construction of a new flyover which began last year still continues. At King Saud Bin Abdul Aziz Street, trucks for pumping out drainage cause traffic congestion in the morning. Around five trucks are stationed at the road for this purpose. During the busy hours of the morning, motorists are compelled to move at a snail's pace causing delays. Abdul Aziz, a private school bus driver, told Saudi Gazette that he is now going earlier than usual to pick up students so that they do not arrive late at school. “Excavation work at the Mazroeah area has been going on for quite some time now. There is always digging and blockage at various parts of the road and most of the time there is a long queue at the signal going to Port Road. I am picking up students earlier than my usual time,” he said. “The loud noise of the heavy equipment used for excavation is very disturbing. Sometimes, the entire building where I live shakes due to the drilling and this is usually at noon time. I hope that the authorities finish their work fast and give the residents here some peace of mind,” said a Saudi national who lives just across Fadel Bin Sahel Street.
