Work begins on Qatar’s $1.2bn expressway

Ashghal, Qatar’s public works authority, has announced the beginning of work on the first two phases of the $1.2bn Al Rayyan expressway project. The scheme is part of a nationwide programme that is intended to transform the country’s road system and provide the foundations for diversified economic growth. 

The roadworks, which were announced seven months ago, are located in Old Al Rayyan, a western suburb of the Qatari capital of Doha.  

The first phase involves the construction of a 2.9km interchange from the east Bani Hajer roundabout to the west Khalid bin Abdullah al-Attiyah roundabout. It is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2016. 

The second phase measures 5.3km and runs from the west of the Sports roundabout to the west of the Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Attiyah roundabout. It includes the construction of six junctions. It is expected to be finished by the third quarter of 2017. 

Both phases will include sewage effluent networks, micro-tunneling and upgrades to electrical and telecoms networks. 

According to a statement by Ashghal, "Once completed, the improvements to the Al Rayyan area will result in less congestion which will improve journey time for all road users. To encourage citizens and residents to walk and ride bicycles, new and improved pedestrian pathways and cycle paths will be constructed."