Officials during the opening of the key Onaiza tunnel, which is part of the Lusail Expressway. Pic: Abdul Basit / The Peninsula
The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has started work on a massive plan to address the traffic congestion on February 22 street by developing a parallel road and renovating the Landmark interchange.
As per the plan, Al Bustan road, a stretch from Mesaimeer to Landmark through Lakhwiya roundabout will be developed as an alternative road to February 22. The idea is to connect Al Bustan road with February 22 at Land Mark interchange.
Details about the plan were given by Ashghal officials during a media trip during the opening of the main tunnel in Onaiza Interchange, a key junction on Lusail Expressway yesterday.
“We have started work on the development of Al Bustan road. It is key project to reduce traffic congestion on February 22 street. The project is expected to be completed by 2020,' said Ashghal president Dr. Eng. Saad bin Ahmad Al Muhannadi.
“We have awarded contracts for the Landmark interchange project, part of Al Bustan Street at a cost of QR2.8 bn. And it is being evaluated to reduce the cost to QR2.5bn," said Al Muhannadi.
"All projects related to Al Bustan Street are expected to be awarded by July. Al Bustan Street has four packages. we have started work at the most critical areas on the stretch," he added.
The Landmark interchange project has been awarded to Devo Company. The remaining projects will be awarded gradually. This project will help reduce the traffic from Ubaidli roundabout and February 22 Street in a big way, said Al Muhannadi. “Al Bustan Street is a key project for Qatar’s 2022 World Cup and a main artery to ensure smooth flow of traffic,” said Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah, Assistant President of Ashghal.
He said crowding on February 22 Street is not because of defects in design but due to the rapid increase in the country's population. Another reason is ongoing road projects.
"Let these projects finish and you will find the February 22 Street better than many other roads in terms of traffic flow,” said Al Attiya.
He said Landmark interchange project will be officially launched soon. Al Bustan Street and February 22 Street will be interconnected at Landmark Interchange. The interchange is needed to be upgraded.
"We are looking for a smart solution to renovate and connect Landmark Interchange to avoid demolition of the existing bridge," said Al Attiya.
