The Kurdistan Regional Government says the Mawaran Tunnel and Kore-Shaqlawa-Qandil road project is progressing faster than expected.
Agrin Abdullah, deputy minister of construction and housing, said crews could finish the project three months ahead of schedule.
The road section itself should open to motorists in October. Meanwhile, workers expect to complete the entire project by the end of 2026.
Abdullah said during the project’s final construction phase. She described the corridor as a vital transport link for the Kurdistan Region.
“This project completes the Kore-Shaqlawa-Qandil road and serves as a vital artery for the Kurdistan Region,” Abdullah said.
He added that construction crews continue working around the clock. Ministry officials also visit the site to monitor progress and engineering standards.
The wider project has reached around 70% completion. It includes the Mawaran and Mirawa tunnels, a dual carriageway and three intersections.
The project covers about 10 kilometers and will improve the road between Erbil, Shaqlawa and Soran.
Once the road opens, the KRG expects motorists to save more than 30 minutes on journeys between Erbil and the Soran Independent Administration.
The new route will also improve safety across the mountainous corridor. Winter snow and difficult weather often disrupt traffic on the existing route.
The two tunnels will allow motorists to bypass some of the most difficult sections of the mountain road. As a result, the project should provide a safer and more reliable route throughout the year.
The Kore-Shaqlawa-Qandil road forms part of the wider route toward the Haji Omeran international border crossing.
Therefore, the project has importance beyond local transportation. It will support commercial traffic and improve cross-border movement between the Kurdistan Region and Iran.
The road also serves several major tourism destinations. These include Shaqlawa, Rawanduz and other areas across the Soran region.
Faster and safer access could benefit tourism businesses, local communities and freight operators.
The Mawaran Tunnel forms part of the Ninth Cabinet’s wider road development strategy.
According to KRG figures, authorities have completed 810 intercity road projects under the program. These projects cover around 3,055 kilometers and cost approximately 1.057 trillion Iraqi dinars.
Another 461 projects remain under construction. Together, the projects cover about 5,940 kilometers and represent more than 5.3 trillion dinars in investment.
The program includes highways, tunnels, bridges, dual carriageways and urban roads. It also includes traffic-safety infrastructure and rehabilitation work.
The KRG says better roads can reduce travel times and strengthen trade. They can also connect producers with markets and improve tourism access.
Major projects include the Erbil-Koya highway and improvements to the Duhok-Zakho corridor. The Haji Omeran route also remains an important part of the region’s transport network.
Road safety remains another major focus of the KRG’s infrastructure program.
Government figures show extensive work on road markings and traffic signs. Authorities have also built pedestrian crossings and overpasses.
Meanwhile, the KRG funds road development through several sources. These include the investment budget and regular Ministry of Construction and Housing allocations.
The government also directs 30% of vehicle weigh-station revenues toward road rehabilitation and maintenance.
The Mawaran Tunnel will therefore add more than a new road connection. It will strengthen an important corridor linking Erbil with mountain communities, tourism centers and international trade routes.
With the road scheduled to open in October, motorists should soon see shorter and safer journeys between Erbil and Soran.
