All roads leading to Al Markhiya (Burger King) Roundabout will be reduced to two lanes in each direction starting tonight, June 5, as work progresses to convert the junction into a signalized intersection.

In a statement released this afternoon, Public Works Authority Ashghal said the lane closures will last for six weeks, until Sunday, July 20.

Construction in the area began in May, and will continue until October. Once completed, Khalifa St. will run four lanes in each direction, and have three lanes to turn left and one lane to turn right.

The perpendicular Jassim Bin Hamad St. will also run four lanes in each direction, and have three left-turn lanes and one right-turn lane.

According to Ashghal, the four areas that will be under construction include:

• 600m along Khalifa Street from Al Markhiya roundabout toward TV roundabout;
• 1000m along Khalifa Street from Al Markhiya roundabout towards Al Gharafa (Immigration) R/A.
• 300m from Al Markhiya roundabout toward Jasim Bin Hamad Street; and
• 300m from Al Markhiya roundabout toward Street 245 (also known as the Arab League Street).

Nearby Dahl Al Hammam Roundabout is also being converted into a signalized junction. Together, the two roundabouts link key areas of Doha, connecting West Bay with Al Gharafa, Madinat Khalifa and Duhail.

Thus, the work is likely to impact rush hour traffic into West Bay, as well as shoppers going to Landmark Mall.

Much of Qatar is currently under construction as the country works to improve its straining infrastructure amid a rapidly rising population.

For example, more work is set to get underway on busy C-Ring Road, as several intersections and one roundabout will be overhauled to make way for smart signals.

Though the roadwork will help traffic in the long-term, many have complained about the gridlock current closures have had.

Thoughts?