Ashghal: Corniche construction work to be completed by October 15

Qatar’s Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has announced that the Corniche Road is expected to fully reopen by mid-October. In a statement sent out tonight, Ashghal said contractors are putting down the final layer of asphalt and will be activating the traffic lights shortly, saying the Oct. 15 launch is weeks ahead of its original schedule.

Work first began in April of this year on roads leading to the Corniche with construction intensifying in July on the main road, and leaving traffic snarled in recent months. The goal has been to convert most of the Corniche’s roundabouts into signals with turning lanes, and add smart sensors to coordinate the flow of traffic.

A month ago, Ashghal said the project was 50% complete, while just two weeks ago, it said they’d gotten 75% done, indicating work has been sped up. Previously, officials said the construction would be finished by mid-November.

The authority says the three companies contracted for the construction have been working “relentlessly” and succeeded “without the full closure of the Corniche area,” despite persistent rumors that the road would be shut. Ashghal’s statement continues:

On the occasion, ‘Ashghal’ thanked all road users who have been tolerant with traffic congestions for the past three months.

Construction will continue on Lejbailat, Onaiza and Al Maha (Oryx) roundabout into November.

As Eid holidays for government workers essentially start this weekend, Doha residents could be in for a post-holiday treat of at least somewhat reduced traffic once the Corniche is fully reopened.

Two diversions

Meanwhile, Ashghal has also said it will be closing two lanes of traffic on Salwa Road heading toward the Wholesale Market area after an accident there.

It said a tanker had spilled diesel on the road, and the closure was necessary to fix damage done. A separate statement issued today by the authority explained:

Diesel, which contains petroleum, acts like a solvent on the bitumen mix and gradually weakens the road surface if not repaired on time. To mend the affected area, Ashghal will be replacing the asphalt on the damaged lanes.

It also announced another diversion on Al Shamal Road, starting from the Taibah Petrol Station. Traffic will be routed onto a newly built road from tomorrow through the end of 2014 as Ashghal works on the Izghawa flyover.