Residents in southern areas to benefit from opening of new highway

Over the last few years, Qatar’s Public Works Authority Ashghal has been on a building spree to develop the country’s infrastructure and connect all parts of the country under a common road network.

Another piece of the complex jigsaw puzzle fell into place yesterday with the opening of the southern part of Doha Express Highway and Hamad Port Road. The two key roads are expected to further improve traffic flow in Qatar’s southern areas, reported Gulf Times.

Residents of Al Wakrah, Al Wukair and Al Mashaf stand to benefit the most from the opening of the 11km stretch of highway, considered as an alternative route for Al Wakrah Main Road through its connection with Mesaieed Road and G-Ring Road.

The southern part of Doha Express Highway will relieve the pressure on Al Wakra Main Road by reducing traffic congestion in the area by providing a highway with five lanes in each direction, connecting the south and north of the city, reported The Peninsula.

Here is a look at some of the salient features of the newly-opened highway.

Southern part of Doha Express Highway

The highway is 11 km long and connects G-Ring Road with Mesaieed Road. It will ease access to Al Wakra, Al Wukair and Al Mashaf areas and is considered an alternative route for Al Wakra Main Road through its connection with Mesaieed Road and G-Ring Road.

Doha Express Highway includes five multi-level interchanges that will be completed in the next few months. The project also comprises 42 km of pedestrian and cycle paths.

The five multi-level interchanges include

Al Mashaf Interchange: A two-level interchange that provides direct access to G-Ring Road in the south and residential areas in Al Mashaf west.

Al Wukair Interchange: A two-level interchange that provides direct access to Al Wukair Road and residential areas to the east and west of the interchange.

Two interchanges at Waab Buhair: Both are two-level interchanges, one of them eases access to some residential areas to the east of the interchange, and the other is connected to Mesaieed Road and provides direct access to Hamad Port.

Hamad Port Road

A 14km-long road that connects Hamad Port and G-Ring Road, and includes four lanes in each direction, easing the movement of trucks between Hamad Port and Industrial Area, enhancing the movement of goods between the port and all areas of the country.

Public Works Authority (Ashghal) president Dr Saad bin Ahmad Al Muhannadi was pleased with the timely construction of the roads.

“This emphasises again Ashghal’s commitment to deliver on the requirements of the coming phase according to the priorities set by His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, related to the current situation and the future direction of Qatar,” he said.

“This encourages self-sufficiency and studies opportunities that enable us to continue achieving on regular basis without being affected by any challenges while we continue progressing on our big projects, which is a tangible proof on our success in this area,” he added.