Starting tomorrow, Qatar’s public works authority will begin phase one of a plan to convert the iconic Civil Defense roundabout into a signal-controlled intersection.

In a statement today, Ashghal said phase one will run from May 2 to June 23, and involve work on Al Istiqlal St. and Mohammed bin Thani St.

The work is being done in order to enhance the traffic flow and reduce the congestion in major areas, the authority said.

It added that for now, all traffic lanes will remain open in all directions.

However, one lane in both directions on Al Istiqlal St. and Mohammed bin Thani St. will be closed during phase two, which goes from the last week of June until mid-September.

The project also includes developing an intersection at Medical City by adding a left-turn lane for those coming from Civil Defense, Ashghal said.

An extra left-turn lane for those coming from Sports Roundabout and headed toward TV roundabout is also planned.

Civil Defense R/A was named after Civil Defense headquarters, which used to sit at the northeast corner of the junction.

However, that building has since been converted into an artists-in-residence program under Qatar Museums called the Doha Fire Station.

After Civil Defense intersection is completed, TV R/A and Sports R/A will be among the last major roundabouts standing, though likely not for much longer.

Thoughts?