The officials and project workers at the site.
The Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ yesterday partially opened the longest and deepest bidirectional tunnel in Qatar.
The tunnel, which is 1.5km long and sits 25 metres below ground level, is part of the construction of the Al Rayyan Road Upgrade Project Phase 2. After partial opening, two out of four lanes in each direction will be delivered, accommodating 8,000 vehicles per hour in each direction causing smooth flow of traffic in that area.
The tunnel is part of the newly upgraded 2.1km stretch between Bu Erayen and Lebday Street. The inauguration event was attended by Eng. Yousef Al Emadi, Manager of Highway Projects Department; Brigadier General Mohammed Maarafiya, Manager of MoI Traffic Safety Department, and a number of officials, project engineers and media persons.
The tunnel forms part of the complex three-level interchange known as Al Mokafaha interchange. At the top level there is signalised junction which facilitates traffic movements in all directions including Al Waab, Bani Hajer and Doha. Beneath this is an underpass which allows road users to travel seamlessly between Doha and Bani Hajer. The tunnel is beneath the underpass both of which replace the old roundabout.
The Project Manager, Jumah Al Bader, told media persons that the newly-opened section of road and tunnel will reduce travel time between Bu Erayen and Lebday Street and Al Luqta and Al Waab by up to 65 percent particularly due to the increased lane capacity and removal of the existing diversions and will reduce traffic congestion on 22 February street.
Al Bader added that the construction of the new tunnel faced many challenges that were overcome. “For instance, it was necessary to establish multiple traffic diversions and the construction of two temporary signalised intersections to facilitate the progress of works. Excavating 25 metres below ground level meant that the project team had to manage extremely large quantities of groundwater.”
He said that the tunnel is fitted with all the safety and security facilities and a dedicated building was constructed to serve as the central control room for monitoring and controlling all operating system.
Meanwhile, Ashghal has said that it achieved 88 percent completion of the Al Rayyan Road Upgrade Project and is on target to complete in Q1 2019. The Al Rayyan Road Upgrade Project Phase Two is a critical inner city project that will enhance 5.5km of Al Rayyan Road and Al Rayyan Al Jadeed Street to the west of Olympic Intersection.
As well as increasing the lane capacity of the main carriageway to four lanes in each direction, the project will deliver four main interchanges and upgrade of a flyover and a tunnel. It will also provide upgraded service roads to serve businesses and residential areas as well as dedicated pedestrian and cycle paths.
Notably, the project scope includes the upgrade of utility infrastructure such as treated sewage effluent lines, storm-water drainage network, potable water line and foul water networks as well as landscaping and beautification works.
The project caters to several residential areas throughout its stretch from Doha to Bani Hajer including Al Rayyan, Muraykh, Lebday, Luaib, Al Waab, Al Messila, Al Luqta and Al Hetmi Al Jadeed.
Travelling on Al Rayyan Road Upgrade Project Phase Two will provide improved access to Al Furousiya Equestrian Complex and Al Shaqab Horse Racing Academy.
The project serves a number of key business districts such as Al Shafi Street commercial area in New Al Rayyan and creating easy access to Jarir Bookstore, Family Food Center, and Al Rawabi Food Center.
The project will provide easy access to Al Rayyan Park. The project will provide easy access to Qatar Foundation and Education City. The project will provide good connectivity to three local metro stations; Al Messila Station, Al Rayyan Al Qadeem Station and Al Shaqab Station.
