The Omani road system uses roundabouts over traffic signals for the majority. Along Sultan Qaboos Highway roundabouts are seen as decorative landmarks adding artistic interest to the roadway.
Recently, two iconic roundabouts the Sohar Globe (RIP Jul 6/2012) and Wadi Kabir Bakhoor (Mejmar) circles were reported razed in order to make way for 'fly-overs' to ease traffic. Instead of destroying these well-known icons, why not move them into a park out in the desert such as done in Szoborpark (Memento Park) outside Budapest where all the old statutes are now displayed.
More info@:
Globe Roundabout to be History
'Demolition of Mijmar roundabout brought sad news'
'I lived in Sohar when we had the Globe Roundabout'
 |
| Before: Wadi Kabir Roundabout in Muscat |
 |
| After: Wadi Kabir roundabout 'Sans' Bakhoor Decoration - May 2012 |
 |
| Spring 2011: Sohar Globe Roundabout |
 |
| 'Sans' Globe' |
 |
| July 2012: Source: www.facebook.com/ILivedInSoharWhenWeHadTheGlobeRoundabout |
 |
| www.facebook.com/ILivedInSoharWhenWeHadTheGlobeRoundabout |
Agree both added to the scenery - however I suspect that both being steel reinforced concrete the foundations and structure would be difficult to move. Its also very much the case with old structures in Oman that they are demolished in favour of the new.
ReplyDelete