SACO proposes a solution to the traffic and architectural crises in Amman.
Architecture and urban design consultant Dr. Murad Kalaldeh previously criticized Prime Minister Dr. Bisher Al-Khasawneh’s proposal to build a bridge connecting Sweileh to Marj Al-Hamam over King Abdullah II Street, also known as Medical City Street. He cited reasons such as the difficulty of implementation, high cost, and negative visual impact on the buildings along the street. Dr. Kalaldeh didn’t just critique the proposal; he also offered an alternative solution. He said an underground tunnel network would suit Amman’s mountainous terrain more. This network would be designed to transport vehicle traffic underground, allowing the ground level to be used for public spaces and parks.
The proposed solution to alleviate the worsening traffic issues in the capital city of Amman involves building a 10-kilometer-long tunnel underneath King Abdullah II Street. This street is the most significant thoroughfare in the Kingdom and is named after the country’s monarch. The street aims to become a symbol of civilized development, raising the city’s quality of life instead of being associated with traffic problems.
“The proposed tunnel will start at the Safout ascent for those from the north of the Kingdom and end at the Bayader Wadi Al-Seer roundabout. This tunnel will be the first phase of a tunnel network that can be expanded in two ways: lengthwise towards the airport road and widthwise perpendicular to the main tunnel. The expansion along and below Queen Rania Al Abdullah Street (University Street), Wasfi Al-Tal Street, Mecca Al-Mukarramah Street, and Zahran Street will be carried out from the eighth to the first roundabout in subsequent phases.”
The proposed solution involves creating a paid-for-use Toll Road that serves as an investment opportunity. It would consist of two parallel tunnels, each 10 meters in diameter, to ensure a safe distance from the surrounding buildings. The existing Al-Shaab Roundabout would be a central station for changing transportation directions and means. The station’s interior spaces could be used as commercial shops to generate income. Regular, wide stairs, escalators, and elevators would provide access to the different levels within the station. The station would be covered by a concrete dome, serving as a landmark and a meeting point at ground level. The dome would be designed using the Shell concrete system, allowing for natural lighting and ventilation through large roof openings.
The design is significant because it is the foundation for a tunnel network that can expand over time, allowing for various transportation options, including light trains, buses of different sizes, and public and private cars. The design also ensures that the look of existing and proposed buildings on this important street is maintained while not disrupting traffic during construction or interfering with the development rights granted to property owners under the 2007 Amman Master Plan, which designated this street as an urban densification corridor.
The hilly terrain of Amman makes it practical to implement the tunnel network, which would move traffic underground, freeing up surface areas for public squares and gardens. This approach would also lessen the reliance on private cars and alleviate the potential traffic congestion that Amman is in danger of facing, particularly with the incentives provided for car purchases.
It’s important to mention that Dr. Al-Kalaldeh is an architect and urban designer who has worked on significant projects in Jordan and internationally, such as the Ma’an Industrial City, the Ma’an Phosphate Companies Residential District, the Hajj Oasis, and the Ma’an Land Port. He proposed this solution and received assistance in the architectural presentation and videography from architecture students Moamen Anasweh and Mohammed Aql. Thank you.
