SANTHOSH CHANDRAN

DOHA ASHGHAL, the public works authority of Qatar on Tuesday signed two contracts worth QR6.8 billion for the construction of the Lusail Expressway and the Industrial Road Construction and Infrastructure Upgrading Project.

The QR3.5 billion Lusail Expressway project was awarded to Hyundai Engineering and Construction while the QR2.34 billion Industrial Road Construction and Infrastructure Upgrading Project was given to Qatari firm Al Jaber Transport and General Construction.

On behalf of Ashghal the documents were signed by its President Nasser Ali al Mawlawi while Hyundai President and CEO Jung Soo Hyun and Al Jaber Transport & General Construction Chairman Obaid Khalifa Jaber al Marri signed the papers on behalf of their respective companies. South Korean Ambassador to Qatar HE Chung Jong-ki was among the dignitaries present on the occasion.

Mawlawi told the media after signing the contract that the two projects will be the foundation of the country’s future infrastructure development.

The 5.3 kilometre Lusail Expressway will connect the under-construction Lusail development area to City Center in Doha. Areas like Pearl Qatar and Katara will also benefit from the project on which work will begin in the second half of the current year. It is scheduled to be completed within 40 months.

The four-lane highway will have three major interchanges for easy entry and exit. Its completion will see the Arch roundabout become a three-level interchange with a dual three lane underpass connecting Al Dafna to Lusail.

The Onaiza interchange will be converted to a free-flow interchange.

A 600-metre long two-way, four-lane tunnel near the Arch roundabout will help the commuters access the city with ease. The three-lane flyover included in the project will connect Lusail to the central business districts of the country.

The present single-level Pearl Interchange will become a three-level interchange with a future light rail transit tunnel underneath.