Qatar’s public works authority has said it will close Othman Bin Affan St., near Villaggio Mall, to southbound traffic for the next eight months as it upgrades infrastructure in the East Al Aziziya area.

The closure begins Thursday, March 12. It will affect motorists traveling along the road from Al Waab St. toward Saeed Bin Al Aas, as well as those who use Othman Bin Affan St. to access the side roads running off it on the west side.

Individuals trying to access those properties cut off from Othman Bin Affan Street are advised to use Al Aziziya St. instead.

To help cope with traffic, Ashghal said it has built a temporary road for vehicles to use during construction. A map distributed by the department shows northbound lanes, as well as access to the side streets on the east of Othman Bin Affan Street, remaining open.

Upgrades

Last December, Ashghal signed a QR217 million (US$59.6 million) contract with Leighton Contracting Qatar to upgrade the infrastructure in the east Al Aziziya area.

The scope of work includes constructing storm water drainage, sewage networks, roadway entrances and exits, parking lots and landscaping across some 720,000 square meters.

The project is part of a broader QR5.53 billion ($1.52 billion) announcement of several expressway, sewage and roadway contracts as Ashghal tries to ensure Qatar’s infrastructure keeps pace with the country’s rapidly growing population.

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