As part of its efforts to convert roundabouts to signal-controlled intersections in the vital areas of the country, the Public Works Authority started converting TV Roundabout to an intersection. Most traffic diversions and closures will take place during the summer break.

The project works started on 1 April 2017 and the conversion of the roundabout to an intersection will be completed before the start of the new academic year. Following this, work on the other phases of the project will start, which include widening 300m of each of the streets leading to the roundabout to have four main lanes and three lanes to turn left This is in addition to pedestrians’ crossings that will be added on each side of the intersection.

The streets that will be widened are Khalifa Street, Abdul Aziz bin Jasim Street, and Ahmad bin Ali Street, in addition to converting two roundabouts on Abdul Aziz bin Jasim Street to signal-controlled intersections. The traffic signal at the intersection of Ahmad bin Ali with Al Jazira Al Arabiya streets will also be developed to facilitate access to the TV buildings and the nearby residential areas. Works will also include developing the service roads in the area.

After project completion, the road capacity for main traffic will increase by 25% to 30% and by 100% for those turning left or making a U-turn% due to adding three new dedicated lanes.

The waiting time at the intersection will also be reduced by about 50% as a result of connecting the traffic signal at the intersection with other signals on the surrounding streets.

Converting roundabouts to signal-controlled intersections greatly enhances traffic flow, therefore ‘Ashghal’ is converting as many roundabouts as possible in vital areas. It had converted earlier seven roundabouts in Cornish and West Bay area, in addition to Dahl Al Hamam, Al Markhiya, Civil Defence, Al Thumama roundabouts and others.