Key highway projects worth $8.1bn have been initiated by the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) to alleviate chronic traffic congestion in Doha.
The projects are being overseen by US-based KBR, appointed by Ashghal to provide project management services for the Doha expressway and other major road projects over the next five years, according to a Meed Insights special report.
The three largest schemes are the Doha-Dukhan highway, Doha expressway and the Lusail expressway.
The Doha-Dukhan highway scheme is currently split into three packages. The central section covers 7.5km. It is being carried by a JV comprising Athens-based Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC) and local company Teyseer.
The eastern section is being built by a JV comprising the local Qatari Diar and Saudi Binladin Group.
The same JV is also working on a $1bn contract for a 6.5km section from Al-Mail to Bani Hajer roundabout.
The 12km-long Lusail expressway will run north from Doha to Lusail. The construction work is currently split into two packages.
The construction contract for the first was awarded to South Korea’s Hyundai Engineering & Construction.
“Contractors are currently prequalifying for the second package,” reported Meed Insights.
The Doha expressway scheme involves building 280km of dual four-lane roads with some 19 interchanges. There are a series of major packages involved in this mega project.
Some have already started construction, while others are due to be tendered over the next two years.
Contractors that have secured work on the scheme so far include the UAE’s Al-Jaber Group, CCC/Teyseer, a JV of Turkey’s Yuksel and the local Midmac Contracting and China’s Sinohydro.
The total value of the projects planned and underway in Qatar (as of January) stood at $223.4bn, stated Meed Insights.
Over the next decade, Qatar will see even “greater transformation”, the report said. A construction boom is gathering pace that will see Qatar gain a $35bn integrated transport system with high-speed rail lines, light rail networks and a metro, which will enable travel around the country and to neighbouring states.
A major overhaul of roads and highways is also underway, while Downtown Doha is getting a $5.5bn facelift.
ConstructionWeekOnline
24 February
