Qatar’s public works authority Ashghal has announced plans to invest QR10bn ($2.7bn) over the next three years in Al Wakra and Mesaieed to improve transport infrastructure.

In coordination with the ministry of municipality and urban planning (MMUP), Ashghal held an ‘Integrated Community Outreach Programme’ community event to showcase various infrastructure and building projects in the south of Qatar.

As part of the new developments, the Expressway project includes East West Corridor, which comprises the construction of 22km-long dual carriageway with five lanes in each direction, in addition to eight multi-level interchanges.

"The projects will also create new links to Al Wakra’s heritage sites, as well as residential and commercial developments."

Set to provide new links to several main roads and residential areas in the south area and slated for completion in the first quarter of 2018, the East West Corridor project will link the New Orbital Highway and Truck Route to the Hamad International Airport.

The development also includes Al Wakra Bypass project located to the west of Al Wakra and includes the construction of an 11km-long dual carriageway with five lanes in each direction.

A tunnel and five two-level interchanges will also be constructed that will link the south of Al Wakra city to the Hamad International Airport and New Doha Port.

Expected to increase the road capacity, this project is set to complete in the first quarter of 2018.

The New Orbital Highway and Truck Route, said to the third part of the expressway project, involves the construction of a 190km-long main dual carriageway and 22 multi-level interchanges in its four phases.

Traffic congestion within Doha can be reduced with the new project in place, which would also separate the heavy trucks from the general traffic flow.

Located to the south west of Doha, the project’s initial phase will include approximately 45km of a major new dual carriageway in addition to the construction of a road linking Mesaieed Road to the East-West Corridor.

Completion is expected to take place in the second quarter of 2017.

Expected to improve connectivity and traffic safety in the south of Qatar, the projects will also create new links to Al Wakra’s heritage sites, as well as residential and commercial developments.

The projects also include development of local roads, infrastructure and drainage projects in local areas and building projects.