Ashghal organises community event to showcase expressway, infrastructure and building projects in west Qatar

On Monday 25 May 2015, the Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ in coordination with the MMUP organised a community event with representatives from various organisations, businesses, schools, and residents in Al Rayyan Municipality area West of Qatar. The event aimed at familiarizing the community with the various important projects that the Authority is implementing in this vital area.

Representatives of Expressway,Buildings, and Local Roads and Drainage projects located in West Qatar attended the event in addition to representatives from consulting and contracting companies implementing the projects. A detailed presentation provided a comprehensive overview of the projects being implemented in the west area including their components, stages and features,and what has been achieved so far. Material in both English and Arabic were distributed to the attendees and they included general information on the projects, guidelines to ensure the safety of residents and visitors, as well as contact details for Ashghal and community engagement officers responsible for each project. The audience showed interest and questions were discussed and answered by project engineers.

In addition to the event,a site tour to the Dukhan Highway Central project, part of the Expressway Programme, was organised to demonstrate the considerable progress made on the project.The tour went through to Rawdat Rashed Interchange, which will be constructed as part of the project works.

It is noteworthy that this event reflects Ashghal’s commitment to strengthening communication and outreach with the residents living in the vicinity of its projects. The event is part of Ashghal’s integrated community outreach programme, which includes various community initiatives that aim to minimise the impact of construction works on residents and visitors. Ashghal will also continue to engage communities about the progress of its projects and any traffic delays during the implementation stages.

The following is a detailed overview of the projects that the Public Works Authority is implementing in the west of Qatar:

First: Expressway Projects in West Qatar

1. Dukhan Highway Central

The project includes the construction of approximately 15 km dual carriageway with four lanes in each direction, and comprises the construction of three multi-level interchanges.The project is expected to be completed in 2017. This project will improve traffic between Dukhan and central Doha by creating a strategic east-west highway, in addition to separating the highway traffic from local traffic. The project will also include an extensive network of pedestrian footpaths and cycleways to provide active transport options, and reduce the reliance on vehicles.

In June 2014 a 9 Km four lane carriageway from Al Rayyan Roundabout to Al Sheehaniya Roundabout including an underpass of Al Dehailiy at Army Camp interchange was opened to traffic. As part of the project, two underpasses for camels crossing located near Al Rayyan R/A and Al Sheehaniya R/A are now open. In addition, two lanes of the service roads have been opened to traffic in each direction. In April 2015, a new stretch of road on the Dukhan highway was opened to traffic from the direction of Dukhan towards Doha.Traffic which was previously diverted to the service road south of Dukhan road was redirected to the newly completed 1.5km road.Redirecting the traffic to the newly completed section on the main Dukhan Road improved the traffic flow by providing 4 lanes in each direction. It also separates the traffic coming from the direction of Doha from the traffic coming from beneath the steel bridge on the Temporary Truck Road enabling commuters to use the service road south of the main Dukhan Road to reach the inner region.

2. Dukhan Highway East

The project includes the construction of approximately 6.5 km of new dual carriageway with 4 lanes in each direction to be the main Dukhan Road East, and 3.4 km along Al Gharrafa Road, as well as the construction of six multi-level interchanges. This project will create a strategic east-west highway to connect Dukhan in the west with the heart of Doha. A 90m pedestrian plaza will be built between Tilted and North interchanges to provide on-foot connections for people in the Education City area. The project is expected to be completed in 2018.

3. Al Rayyan Road - West of New Rayyan Roundabout to East of BaniHajer Roundabout (Contract 1)

The project encompasses the construction of approximately 2.9 km new dual carriageway with 4 lanes in each direction, from west of New Al Rayyan Roundabout to east of BaniHajer Roundabout, and the construction of three multi-level interchanges. The project will improve traffic flow and reduce congestion in an area vital to the flow of goods and people into the centre of Doha. It will serve important residential areas and improve connections with key locations like the Education City and the universities and schools at Qatar Foundation. The project is expected to be completed in 2017.

4. Rayyan Road - West of Olympic Roundabout to West of New Rayyan Roundabout (Contract 2)

The project includes the construction of 5.5 km new dual carriageway with four lanes in each direction, from the west of the Olympic Roundabout to the west of Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Attiyah Roundabout (New Rayyan Roundabout), and the construction of six major interchanges. This project will improve traffic flow and reduce congestion in an area vital to the flow of goods and people into the centre of Doha, through improving the main Al Rayyan Road and the associated side roads and service roads. The signalised junctions will provide new access to other key roads, as well the residential and commercial areas improved connections with February 22 Street.

Infrastructure improvements will include upgrading and relocation of utilities, new road lighting system, the installation of Intelligent Transport System and storm drainage network, in addition to the provision of walkways and cycleways, and landscaping works. The project will also contribute to enhancing environmental sustainability and improve safety standards on the road and is expected to be completed in 2018.

5. New Orbital Highway & Truck Route: Dukhan Highway to Al Khor Link (Contract 2)

The project encompasses the construction of approximately 48km of dual carriageway with 7 lanes in each direction, and the construction of eight two-level interchanges. The project is located to the north west of Doha, starting at Salwa Road and passing through Dukhan Road and North Road, and up to the North Relief Road. This new route will form part of the New Orbital Highway connecting the south and north of Qatar and enabling traffic to move efficiently around the country without having to pass through central Doha. The project is expected to be completed in 2017.

6. New Orbital Highway & Truck Route: Mesaieed to Salwa Road (Contract 3)

The project includes the construction of approximately 55 km of dual carriageway with 7 lanes in each direction, and the construction of five two-level interchanges. The project is located to the south west of Doha, starting at Mesaieed Industrial City interchange and reaching up to Salwa Road, connecting the side roads Mesaieed Road 1, Wukair Road 1 and Wukair Road 2, and the East-West Corridor to the New Orbital Highway. This project also provides the vital connection between the New Orbital Highway and Truck Route Contracts 1 and 2, and is expected to be completed in 2017.

7. Rawdat Al Khail Street

The project includes the construction of approximately 8 km of new dual carriageway with three lanes in each direction, and the construction of six multi-level interchanges. This project will improve traffic and reduce traffic congestion in the region, and will link the Industrial Area with the centre of Doha city and facilitate access to Barwa City and commercial areas. The project will also link F-Ring Road with the Wholesale Market Road and Mesaimeer Street. The project is expected to be completed in 2017.

8. Al Jemailiya-Al Otouriya-Al Sheehaniya Road

The project encompasses the development of the existing Al Sheehaniya- Al-Jemailiya road passing by Al Otouriya, over a length of approximately 29 km with two lanes in each direction, as well as the construction of four main interchanges. The project also comprises the development of services and infrastructure facilities to include the construction and upgrade of rainwater drainage system,installation of intelligent transport systems, in addition to the operation, installation and maintenance of electrical sub-stations.

The project is distinguished by its pedestrian paths and cycleways along the side of the road, in addition to a pedestrian bridge that provides access to bus stops and improves safety. Camel underpasses will also be developed to facilitate their access to the camel race track located within the project area. The project is expected to be completed in 2016.

Second: Local Roads and Drainage Projectsin West Qatar

The Local Roads and Drainage Projects include the construction and upgrade of the area’s old and incomplete roads, in addition to improving the main accesses to residential and commercial areas and providing  safe pedestrian and cycle paths, traffic signals, street signage, street lighting, landscaping works, and upgrading the water drainage network .

Completed projects

1. Construction of Gharrafa Area Sewerage

The project includes 993 land plots with a total area of 3,741,308.3 sqm, and has been completed in Q3 of 2014.

2. Flow Diversion Schemes in Al-Wajba and Barzan Camp

The project has been completed in Q4 2014.

Projects Under Construction

1. Roads and Infrastructure in BaniHajer North (Phases 1 & 2, Package 1)

The project includes 652 land plots with a total area of 1,521,341.5 sqm, and is expected to be completed in Q2 of 2016.

2. Roads and Infrastructure in BaniHajer North (Phases 1 & 2, Package 2)

The project includes 478 land plots with a total area of 1,070,595.8 sqm, and is expected to be completed in Q4 of 2017.

3. Roads and Infrastructure in BaniHajer North (Phase 2, Package 7)

The project includes 597 land plots with a total area of 1,353,088.7 sqm, and is expected to be completed in Q4 of 2016.

4. Roads and Infrastructure in Al-Themaid and RawdatEgdaim (Phase 3, Package 18)

The project includes 1,268 land plots with a total area of 3,941,807.5 sqm, and is expected to be completed in Q2 of 2018.

5. Gharrafa Sewage Scheme – Remaining Area

The project includes 3,036 land plots with a total area of 10,443,340 sqm, and is expected to be completed in Q1 of 2017.

6. Roads and Infrastructure in North of Al-Nassriya

The project includes 825 land plots with a total area of 1,950,368.3 sqm, and is expected to be completed in Q4 of 2017.

7. Roads and Infrastructure in Aziziya East (Phase 4)

The project includes 420 land plots with a total area of 828,300 sqm, and is expected to be completed in Q1 of 2017.

8. Roads and Infrastructure in West Muaither (Al-Manaseer) - (Package 1)

The project includes 2,560 land plots with a total area of 2,386,219.6 sqm, and is expected to be completed in Q3 of 2018.

9. Roads and Infrastructure in Al-Sailiya – North of Salwa Road

The project includes 831 land plots with a total area of 1,462,472.7 sqm, and is expected to be completed in Q4of 2017.

10. Roads and Infrastructure in RawdatAbalHeeran (Package 1)

The project includes 1,279 land plots with a total area of 3,150,699.4 sqm, and is expected to be completed in Q1of 2017.

11. Roads and Infrastructure in RawdatAbalHeeran (Package 2)

The project includes 1,321 land plots with a total area of 2,175,049.1 sqm, and is expected to be completed in Q1 of 2017.

12. Roads and Infrastructure in Al-Mearad and Southwest of Muaither

The project includes 3,716 land plots with a total area of 7,984,370 sqm, and is expected to be completed in Q1of 2020.

13. Construction of Al-Nassriya Area Sewerage

The project includes 1,002 land plots with a total area of 1,736,021.5 sqm, and is expected to be completed in Q2 of 2015.

14. Flow Diversion Schemes in Al-Wajba and New Al-Rayyan

The Project is expected to be completed in Q1 of 2016.

15. Muaither Area Sewage (Package 1)

The Project is expected is expected to be completed in Q1 of 2016.

16. Roads and Infrastructure in Rawdat Egdaim and lzghawa

The project includes 890 land plots with a total area of 2,039,346.8 sqm, and is expected to be completed in Q1 of 2018.

Third: Buildings Projects

• Educational Projects in the West of Qatar

Eleven schools are currently under construction in the areas of Al Oteiqa, Al Wajba, Al Karaana, Umm al Sanim, and Al Sheehaniya. Construction works on these schools commenced in Q1 of 2015 and is expected to be completed in of Q3 2016. There are also two schools and kindergartens in the design phase in the areas of Al Meerad and Rawdat Rashed, and six schools in the tender phase in the areas of Rawdat Al Burj and Al Meerad.

The schools are being built according to standard design, and the total construction area of each school is 9,159sqm, and consists of a two story building that accommodates around 650 students in 25 classes. Each school is equipped with a multipurpose hall as well as science labs and rooms for computer, arts, and language.The main building is also surrounded by a series of external adjoining buildings, covered parking lots, and an outdoor football, handball, and volleyball court.

It should be noted that the schools are designed in line with the Qatari code requirements for persons with special needs, in terms of providing accessibility ramps, restrooms and other amenities. The schools are also eco-friendly green and smart buildings that are provided with special equipment to help conserve energy and decrease water consumption.

• Health Centers Projects in theWest of Qatar

Healthcare centres are built according to three design prototypes (A), (B), and (C) that share the same architectural identity and design. They all provide main medical sections and specialised clinics, dentistry, emergency, radiology, pharmacies and labs, but they differ in size.

Health centres under construction:

1. Al Karaana Health Centre

The centre is located west of Al Karaana. It is a “Prototype A” building. It comprises a ground level and service buildings. The building area is about 2,800 sqm. The project is expected to be completed in 2015.

2. Al Waab Health Centre:

The centre is located in Al Waab area and is a “Prototype B” building. It comprises a two level basement car park, a ground floor and a first floor as well as service buildings. The building area is about 29,000 sqm. The project is expected to be completed in 2016.

3. Ain Khaled Health Centre:

It is located in Umm Al Seneem and it is a “proto type B”. The centre consists of a basement, ground floor and an upper floor, in addition to service buildings. The total building area is about 25,681 sqm. The project is expected to be completed in 2016.

4. Al Wajba Health Centre:

Al Wajba Health Care Centre is a “Prototype C” building and is located in Al Wajba area. It comprises of a ground and first floor with a two level basement car park and will include service buildings. The building area is about 33,000 sqm. The project is expected to be completed in 2016.

5. Muaither Health Centre:

Muaither Health Care Centre is a “Prototype C” building and is located in Al Muaither area. It comprises of a ground andfirst floor with a two level basement car park and will include service buildings. The building area is about 31,000 sqm. The project is expected to be completed in 2016.

Bani Hajer Health Centre (in tender):

The project is located in Al Rayyan area and will have a built up area of 9,744 sqm (excluding the basement). The project also includes building a few additional buildings such as a mosque and other service buildings. It is part of a new series of health care centres launched by the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) which incorporates Urgent Care as a core service. This new type of health care centre is different from the prototype designs previously developed for the health care centres now in construction.The project is expected to be completed in 2015.

Health projects in Design:

1. National Laboratories Building:

The project aims to be the key reference in the field of specialised tests that support health services and supervising them in Qatar. These tests include the fields of specialised tests for food safety and the safety and quality of medical drugs, environmental protection and emergency response, in addition to supervising disease prevention campaigns. The project will be built in Mesaimeer covering an area of approximately 15,000 sqm (excluding the basement). The project is expected to be completed in 2015.

Mosques and Endowment Projects in the West of Qatar

Twelve mosques are currently under construction in the areas of Muaither, Rawdat Egdeim, Al-Aziziya, Al Sheehaniya, Industrial Area, Al-Meerad, Umm Sanim, Hazm Al-Markhiya, Al-Wajba, Al-Waab. The expected date of completion for these mosques is as follows: two mosques in Q2 of 2015, nine mosques in Q4 of 2015and one mosque in Q1 of 2016. Additionally, nine mosques and four Imam Houses are in the tender phase and will be built in Umm Ghuwailina, Muaither, Al Meerad, Mheirja, and Bu Sidra. Moreover, mosques and several houses for Imams and preachers, and Koranic centres are in the design phase and will be built in Bu Sidra, RasBrouq, RawdatRashed, Al Meerad, Umm Sanim, Bu Nakhla, Al-Markhiya, Al-Gharrafa, Al Sheehaniya, Luaib, and RawdatEgdeim.