Qatar’s public works authority Ashghal has announced the opening of the 29km-long Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor.

The corridor was inaugurated by the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of Qatar Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, along with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of Kuwait Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al Ali Al Sabah.

Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor is a four-lane dual carriage highway, which extends from Hamad International Airport, south of Doha, to Umm Lekhba Interchange.

The project has seen the conversion of the two-lane road to a four-lane road in each direction, which is said to increase the vehicle capacity from 8,000 vehicles per hour on both to more than 20,000 vehicles per hour in both directions.

In addition, the project has also seen the conversion of old roundabouts and signalled intersections currently along the corridor into 18 multi-level interchanges, 30 bridges and 15 underpasses to facilitate free traffic flow.

Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor also features pedestrian crossings, including seven bridges and two pedestrian underpasses, as well as 50.5km of bicycle and pedestrian paths for the safe movements of pedestrians.

The inauguration coincides with the celebration of the National Day and Liberation Day Anniversary of the State of Kuwait.

Qatar Minister of Transport and Communication (MoTC) Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti said: “We share the joy of our brethren in the State of Kuwait in their celebrations of National Day and the anniversary of Liberation Day through the opening of Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor, which depicts an embodiment of fraternity between Qatar and Kuwait, firmly rooted in the wise and visionary leadership of the two states.

“The new highway is an important addition to the land transport network of Qatar and a major link between the south and north of Qatar through Doha.

“The corridor will contribute to reducing traffic congestion and achieve great traffic flow, serving other means of transport such as Hamad International Airport and Metro network through integration with many major roads such as Al Rayyan Road, Salwa Road and Al Shamal Road.”