Come the New Year, Qatar’s public works authority (Ashghal) plans to begin converting two more roundabouts – Sheraton and Dafna R/As – on the Corniche into signalized intersections.

During that time, it appears from the map that traffic will be reduced to one lane going in each direction on the Corniche between Q-Post signal and Dafna roundabout (which leads to City Center Mall).

In a statement, Ashghal said:

The works will now begin on converting Sheraton and Al Dafna roundabouts to signalized intersections. The intersections shall consist of three lane dual carriageways on the Corniche Street, three lanes from Corniche Street towards City Center Mall and three lanes toward Omar Al Mukhtar Street, in addition to the side roads to the right of signals.

A pedestrian crossing between the two new intersections is also planned, to provide access to the upcoming Qatar International Exhibition Center, which was supposed to be completed earlier this year.

The conversion of the roundabouts is expected to be completed in two phases, lasting two months each. Detours are expected to remain in place until the second quarter of 2014, Ashghal said.

Pending roadwork

Meanwhile, a $1.8 million tender on bids to improve of C-Ring Road will close in the first week of January.

That project, for which Ashghal has not yet provided a timeline, will involve revamping the roads and the installation of smart signals, akin to the synchronized lights added to the eight new intersections in and around the Corniche.

Thoughts?