All photos by Gazanfarulla Khan
As the first of four phases of C Ring construction gets underway, residents are getting prepared to say goodbye to one of Qatar’s last iconic junctions – VIP Roundabout, or Clock Tower R/A.
According to the yearlong C Ring overhaul plan set by Qatar’s Public Works Authority Ashghal, the first phase includes converting VIP R/A into a signalized intersection.
The road from that R/A to halfway between Toyota and Gulf Cinema signals will also be widened from three to four lanes.
Additionally, pedestrian crossings, u-turn lanes, new traffic signals and street lights are expected to be added to this swathe of road, as well as the parts of C Ring up to Ramada Signal.
The construction is being led by Qatari contracting company Bin Omran Trading and Contracting.
So far, commuters report that construction near Doha International Airport has been causing long traffic delays, due to diversions and narrowing of the road:
@dohanews Traffic, traffic and only traffic
— swati (@8ubbly8lue) May 24, 2014
https://twitter.com/iamkalu/status/470112417880350720
@dohanews from Toyota signal heading VIP r/a…should close the r/a going left to Mughalina to give way to cars from Corniche #Doha #Qatar
— Ash OM (@ash_0m) May 24, 2014
@dohanews suspecting a long wait till its normal again. But hope it's worth it.
— Mutahir (@m_mutahir) May 24, 2014
Expected completion
Previously, Ashghal pledged to complete the first phase of construction by the third quarter of this year.
More specifically, it has been telling businesses along Airport Road that it plans to finish up in that area by the end of August.
After that comes the next phase, which will affect the road from Al Mansoora (Gulf Cinema signal) to halfway past Rawdat AlKhail (Holiday Villa signal).
New Salata (near the former Al Andalus Petrol station) and Jabur bin Ahmed (Ramada signal) will also see renovations by the beginning of next year.
Meanwhile, work has also just begun to convert Markhiya (Burger King)Â R/A and nearby Dahl Al Hammam R/B into signalized intersections.
The past year has seen the removal of nearly 10 roundabouts on the Corniche, including Onaiza (Oryx) R/A, as well as the takedown of Arch (Rainbow) R/A to make way for the new Lusail Expressway.
The construction comes as Qatar’s roads strain to accommodate an influx of more than 100,000 cars each year, due to the soaring population.
Which roundabout do you think is next on the list? Thoughts?
