Korre–Shaqlawa–Qandil Road to Open in October as Work Reaches 70 Percent

The Korre–Shaqlawa–Qandil Road is expected to open in October 2026. The 10-kilometre route will cut travel time between Erbil and Soran districts by more than 30 minutes.

Soran AriUpdated 6 days Ago45

The Korre–Shaqlawa–Qandil Road is set to open to drivers in October 2026. Construction has now reached 70 percent, according to the Kurdistan Regional Government.

The project includes 10 kilometres of dual carriageway. It also features two tunnels and three intersections.

Once open, the road will cut travel time between Erbil and Soran districts by more than 30 minutes. It is also expected to reduce traffic and improve safety along the route.

Korre–Shaqlawa–Qandil Road Includes New Safety Measures

An emergency runaway ramp forms part of the project. The ramp will help stop heavy vehicles if their brakes fail while travelling downhill.

Runaway ramps provide drivers with a safe place to bring vehicles to a halt. This can lower the risk of serious crashes on steep roads.

Lighting and other safety systems have also been installed inside the Mawaran Tunnel. Work is continuing across the project ahead of its planned opening.

The Korre–Shaqlawa–Qandil Road will strengthen a key transport link in Erbil Governorate. The route connects communities near Shaqlawa and provides access toward the Soran area and the Qandil region.

The project is expected to improve daily travel for residents, commercial drivers and visitors using the route.

The KRG Department of Media and Information announced the latest progress on September 5.

Written by

Soran Ari

Soran Ari is the founder and editor of Kurdish Weekly and a digital media entrepreneur. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature from Queen's University and a diploma in Health, Wellness, and Fitness from Mohawk College. He covers Kurdish affairs and global news with a focus on impactful, community-driven reporting, and is also the creator of the ESL Kurd language learning app.