Ashghal: Ramada signal construction to be completed by Nov. 10

After weeks of pain for commuters, traffic congestion at Ramada Signal is expected to ease after this week, with Ashghal saying it would wrap up work there by Nov. 10.

Major construction has been taking place on C-Ring from New Salata intersection (near the former Al Andalus petrol station) to Kinana intersection (just before La Cigale Hotel), since phase four of the C-Ring project commenced in August.

Work on that particularly congested area was not slated until next year, but was moved up due to conflicting construction on another part of C-Ring.

The overhaul has caused lane closures on that stretch of the road, and heavy traffic snarls.

While closures from Ramada to La Cigale Hotel will be lifted in 10 days time, other work will continue until the end of the year, Ashghal said in a statement.

That appears to be earlier than the mid-January 2015 timeline originally set.

The remaining work includes construction from the Centre Roundabout to just before Al Asiri intersection.

Ashghal also said it has begun work on Salwa Road this week as part of an overhaul of that area.

When phase four is completed, all four intersections will be equipped with new signals that include pedestrian crossings, an additional road lane and the repaving of the existing three lanes.

Although Ashghal has continued to keep two lanes of traffic open during construction, businesses located at the affected phase four areas have said construction barriers, fewer parking spaced and narrower walkways have prevented customers from entering their shops.

Commuters have also expressed annoyance at frequent congestion along the vital road due to fewer lanes being open, with some turning to Twitter:

Ashghal has said that works are taking place around the clock, with the same number of workers working during the day and night in order to see a swift completion.

C-Ring project

The C-Ring Road project began in May with phase one and is expected to be completed by mid-2015.

Phase one, which took place near the old airport, was completed on schedule in September and saw the introduction of a signalized intersection at Umm Ghuwailina (VIP) Roundabout and an additional fourth lane in each direction.

Additionally, the stretch from Toyota and Gulf Cinema signals now have an extra fourth lane in each direction.

Once all four phases are complete, the following advancements will be made:

• Widening the road from three to four lanes;
• Establishing pedestrian crossings at all four intersections under construction;
• Installing three U-turn lanes with pedestrian crossings in the 6.3km stretch (not specified where);
• Construction of permanent roads with new traffic signals and street lighting; and
• Upgrading irrigation pipes in the area.

Ashghal has not specified the cost of the project, which is being implemented by Qatari contracting company Bin Omran Trading and Contracting.

But last year, the Public Works Authority floated a $1.8 million tender to renovate C Ring.

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