Qatari Rayyan Road upgrade project progressing well

(MENAFN- Gulf Times) The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has announced it has made significant progress in the first phase of the Al Rayyan Road upgrade project.

The achievements include the start of concrete works for a cable tunnel. Workers began pouring concrete for the foundation slab of the cable tunnel, which is a box-type structure measuring around 6x6x700m, into which all electrical lines will be transferred, according to a statement by Ashghal.

In July 2014, the authority started implementing the first phase of the project, which is considered an important step towards enhancing traffic flow and reducing traffic congestion in the area.

The first phase is being implemented by a joint venture of Six Construct Qatar Ltd and Boom Construction Company and expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2017.

The phase extends for about 2.9km west of the Khalid bin Abdullah al-Attiyah roundabout (New Al Rayyan roundabout) to the east of the Bani Hajer roundabout. It includes the construction of four lanes in each direction, separated by a median, as well as 2km of side roads and 5.8km of service roads.

Ashghal began concrete works for the cable tunnel in March. For this section of the tunnel, 160 cubic metres of concrete and 31 tonnes of steel reinforcement were used. The first phase of the project will involve a total of 270,000 cubic m of concrete as well as 20,000 tonnes of steel reinforcement.

Local materials are being used in the project and concrete and steel reinforcements are supplied by local companies in order to promote local businesses and achieve a sustainable economy for the country, Ashghal notes.

Serving important residential areas and public entities such as Education City and a number of universities and schools at Qatar Foundation, the project's first phase also includes the construction of three interchanges: Al Wajba interchange between Al Rayyan Road and Al Wajba Street, Al Shafi interchange between Al Rayyan Road and Al Shafi Street (two-level interchange) and Al Qalah interchange between Al Rayyan Road and Al Qalah Street (two-level interchange).

Along with other phases of the project, the first phase will involve major infrastructural improvement, including a stormwater drainage network, treated sewage effluent networks as well as upgrades to electrical and telecommunication networks.

The Al Rayyan Road upgrade project, once completed, will help reduce traffic congestion and minimise journey times for road users. The project will also provide service roads and pedestrian and cycle paths to encourage citizens and residents to walk and ride, the statement adds.