The Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ has announced commencement of construction on a new expressway project, the East West Corridor in south Doha that will provide strategic links with the southern part of the city and connect the new Orbital Highway to the new Hamad International Airport.
Comprising construction of approximately 22km of a new dual carriageway, the new East West Corridor roads will feature five lanes in each direction stretching from west of Barwa City , to Al Matar Street south of the Air Force Roundabout.
Implementing construction simultaneously on East and West Corridor, Ashghal aims to expedite construction on this vital project. Being delivered by two contractors Joannou & Paraskevaides (Overseas) Limited/J&P –Avax S.A. (JV) and China Harbour Engineering Company respectively, preliminary investigation works including temporary fencing and debris clearance have been commenced on project sites.
The project includes eight grade separated interchanges (listed below) that will provide new access to key roads and residential areas such as Al Matar Street, Najma Street Extension, Barwa Access Road and new Al Wakra Bypass.
East West Corridor/ East Industrial Street Interchange: 2-level semi-directional interchange with East Industrial Road at grade and East Industrial Street as flyover, providing better connectivity between the Industrial area and the New Orbital Highway and Truck Route, connecting it the New Doha Port.
Covering infrastructure improvements in the area the project will include the upgrade and relocation of utilities, new road lighting, installation of an Intelligent Transport System and storm water drainage. The project will see the installation of 2842 meters of drainage line and over 140,000 meters of irrigation lines across the project. Interfaces with metro rail will be accommodated in the project to allow a future long distance rail corridor.
As part of the project, artscape and landscape features will beautify this area for road users, pedestrians, cyclists, and adjacent residents. New and improved pedestrian pathways and cycle paths have been planned to reduce the reliance on vehicles and improve accessibility, particularly for those living and working close to the area. As part of the development more than 6000 street lights will be installed on the East West Corridor.
Reinforcing its commitment to improving the quality of life of workers across all its projects, Ashghal has set mandatory standards for workers welfare and regular inspections are being conducted to ensure compliance.
As part of its community outreach efforts and to ensure optimal safety, Ashghal will implement an integrated programme for updating local communities residing around the construction areas.
Ashghal will distribute flyers in both Arabic and English to all residents and business owners in the vicinity of the construction area. Also, a dedicated 24hour complaints and enquiries line will be created offering information in Arabic and English.
Committed to adopting best practices and high standards for environment protection, Ashghal has appointed qualified contractors for the project, to ensure that approximately 600 trees are moved from the construction site and replanted in other locations determined by the relevant municipalities. The project will cover over 500,000 square meters of landscaping including plantation of over 3000 trees,128,000 shrubs and 140,000 square meters of grass.