Traffic jams the streets as daily life starts to return to normal in Cairo, Egypt , Saturday, Feb. 12, 2011 (AP)
Egypt's traffic authorities said a major thoroughfare in the capital's Mohandiseen district will be partially closed for 45 days for construction work on the third line of Cairo's metro system, state news agency MENA reported.
Ahmed Orabi Street was due to be closed as of Thursday in one direction, towards the busy Sphinx Square, MENA added, a move expected to increase traffic congestion in the already crowded neighbourhood, whic his located a few kilometres away from downtown Cairo.
Cairo’s underground metro, launched in 1987, is one of the oldest in the Middle East and Africa, serving over 3.5 million passengers daily.
Construction operations in the fourth and final phase of the capital subway's third line started last year. Once fully completed, the third line is expected to span over 47.8 km from Cairo airport to Cairo University, passing through downtown Cairo and into the Giza part of Greater Cairo, including the neighbourhood of Mohandiseen.
Construction of the fourth metro line, expected to reach 6 October city, a satellite city in Cairo's western suburbs, began earlier this year. This line is expected to begin operations in 2019 or 2020, according to government statements.
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