The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) unveiled a number of road projects, including a 20-km long East West Corridor, aimed at reducing pressure on existing routes to the Hamad International Airport (HIA). In an initiative to strengthen the country's road infrastructure, Ashghal awarded contracts worth QR7.2bn ($2 billion) to about half a dozen companies at a meeting.
Its highlight was the awarding of contracts worth QR3.9bn to build the East West Corridor which, officials said, would ease traffic flow to the HIA.
Two packages of the East West corridor were awarded to a consortium of J&P-Avax S A (QR1.67bn) and China Harbour Engineering Company (QR2.23bn).
Along with the design work of the East West Corridor, contracts related to the Wakrah bypass and redesigning of the Wakrah main road, the combined cost of which is QR477.24mn, were awarded to Halcrow Consulting Engineers and Architects.
The 11-km project provides for a new dual carriageway from the western access to the Barwa Development, which will eventually reach the Airport Road, near the former Air force roundabout.
Along with five-lane tracks on either side of the central median, it has provisions for feeder and service roads, footpaths and a cycle track. It will have at least four interchanges, along with surveillance systems, storm water drainage, landscape and road lighting of international standards. One of the notable features is a four-level all-directional interchange at the Wakrah bypass.
Another important upgrading contract worth QR320.23mn has been awarded to Parsons Brinckerhoff International. This included the redesigning of the existing 12-km dual carriageway, consisting of the E Ring road among other areas, to make it a four-lane route, with junctions at Al Matar Street, Najma Street, Wakrah Bypass, Al Muntaza Steet, and Ahmed bin Zaidoun Street.
The contract for upgrading of the existing 4-km dual carriageway on the Mesaimeer road from the southern part of Abu Hamour to the Waab Street has also been awarded. At least two multi-level junctions are to come up along the route.
New works to upgrading nearly 8-km of roads in the Wholesale Market area were awarded. As per the new plans, two multi-level junctions are planned at Waab and at the intersection near the Salwa road. New crossings are planned at Halul Street, Abu Hamour road, Ammar Bin Yasser Street and Osma Bin Zayed Street.
Major works amounting to QR414.70mn are to be taken up as part of the Al Khor Bypass, Al Khor Expressway, Lusail (Phase 1) and Lusail (Phase 2). The whole design and supervision contracts for the above works have been awarded to Hyder Consulting Middle East.
The proposal for an outer ring road covering the Eastern Industrial Area, Al Furosiya Street and Al Khafji Steets has received a boost with the awarding of a design contract worth QR286mn. The proposed road is linked to Sharq Crossing in the north and Mesaieed in the south. The project includes the upgrading of approximately 12-km of the existing dual carriageway, by turning it into a four-line road on either side of the median. At least four-multi-level intersections are planned along the route.
Major upgrading works to widen the roads in Al Sadd and the Al Khufoos Street on the west of Doha are planned as well.
Approximately seven new junctions/crossings, some of which are multi-levels, are planned as part of the works. As in some other works, the project also has provisions for footpaths and cycle tracks.
As part of the country's ambitious Expressway program, a major dual carriageway is to be built linking Al Khor with Mesaieed. Much of the proposed carriageway will form an orbital road around Doha from Mesaieed to the Losail Race circuit. The project, in effect, will pave way for a truck route between Mesaieed Industrial City and Ras Laffan Industrial City and divert heavy traffic away from Doha. It will create links for north-south and west bound traffic as well. The design and supervision contracts for the project amounting to QR 540 mn was awarded yesterday to Aecom Middle East.
Gulf Times
13 June
