Doha: The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) is upgrading the old signboards and installing more at new spots on highways and service lanes across the country following new standards to help the motorists reach their destinations easily.
“The Committee for Signboards at Ashghal is conducting a study on all fixed signboards to assist the need for installing new ones where needed and upgrading the old ones on all roads and side lanes,” said Eng Khalid Al Quraishi from Projects and Roads Department at Ashghal.
Responding to the remarks of motorists about traffic signs during his intervention in a Qatar Radio programme recently, Al Quraishi said that signboards are being installed following the technical standard as per the Directional Sign Development Strategy which was launched last year.
The motorists had raised the concerns, through Qatar Radio, related to increasing the font size of signboards, upgrading the old ones and installing new ones at new spots.
“Under the standards set under the strategy, the changes were made in the font size of new signboards increasing them to the highest possible level to enhance their visibility. All signboards are in Arabic and English,” said Eng Khalid Al Quraishi.
He said that the new standards also address the issue of installing signboards at decision-making points enabling motorists to take the decision before reaching the exit point.
“Three repeated signboards are installed at highways – far from the exit point, while near it and at the exit point alerting motorists to take the decision on time,” said Al Quraishi.
He said that the motorists could notice some differences in the signboards on the road because of the changes which are being made as per the new standards.
“There are some places where all signboards were not upgraded as such places have both types of signboards - new and old - because many road projects are still under constructions,” said Al Quraishi.
Eng Khalid Al Quraishi from Projects and Roads Department at Ashghal said that three projects are under construction on Dukhan Highway which are nearing different stages of completion so this road has both types of signboards.
“The committee is revising and making recommendations for necessary changes which are required to ensure a comfortable journey of motorists,” said Al Quraishi.
To recall, in March last year, Ashghal had launched the Directional Sign Development Strategy, which aims to standardise the implementation of directional signs, making them easy to follow and read, and thus facilitate reaching the main destinations, facilities and landmarks of the country.
Under the strategy, Ashghal had signed a contract with a private company. The contract includes reviewing, updating and developing of all old directional signs, as well as providing new signs in line with design standards within the directional signs strategy.
It also provides clear information to help road users to reach various destinations in the country, while reducing travel time and accidents since road users will be able to set their routes in advance, then gradually and safely adjust them as they approach the intended exit without the need to make a last-minute change exposing them and others to risk.