Parsons Brinckerhoff, the professional services division of UK-based infrastructure services company Balfour Beatty, has been awarded an $87m road contract by the Public Works Authority of Qatar (Ashghal).

The contract involves pre and post-tender professional consulting services for the Qatar Expressway programme.

A part of the highway infrastructure in Qatar, the latest contract includes detailed design of 26km of divided highway with grade separated interchanges and bridges, which will be carried out by staff in several offices worldwide.

Following the design phase, Parsons will provide professional services associated with the tender stage, as well as contract administration and construction supervision on behalf of Ashghal.

"The contract involves pre and post-tender professional consulting services for the Qatar Expressway programme."

The overall construction cost of the project is estimated to be $1bn.

Balfour Beatty chief executive Andrew McNaughton said: "We look forward to successfully delivering the expressway project along with the roads and drainage and rail projects we are currently working on in Qatar."

In 2011, Parsons Brinckerhoff secured a £104m, five-year contract to provide programme management consultancy services for a £5bn roads and drainage scheme in Qatar.

Under the contract, Parsons Brinckerhoff had overall responsibility for management and coordination of all construction, logistics and supply chain interfaces with Ashghal.