All photos by Chantelle D’mello

Following an announcement that C-Ring Road near Ramada signal would be undergoing an overhaul over the next five months, Ashghal workers could be seen setting up traffic barriers in the area this morning.

The construction is phase four of the public works authority’s C-Ring overhaul plan, and was supposed to take place next year.

It was moved up to start on Friday, Aug. 15, but this morning, Ramada signal to La Cigale intersection appeared completely free of any diversions.

However, C-Ring from New Salata intersection (near the former Al Andalus petrol station) to Holiday Villa signal has been reduced from three lanes to two.

Construction also appeared to be ready to start from the Ramada signal to the Centre roundabout, which will be converted into a signalized intersection.

In an email to Doha News, an Ashghal spokesperson said, “Due to permissions from the traffic department the closures were delayed by one day but implementation started yesterday already.”

New traffic signals and an additional lane are expected to be installed from New Salata intersection to Kinana intersection (just before La Cigale Hotel), and from the Centre Roundabout to just before Al Asiri intersection.

Meanwhile, phase one of the C-Ring project, which began in May and focused on Umm Ghuwailina (VIP Roundabout) to halfway between Toyota and Gulf Cinema signals, is expected to be completed by next month.

Residents have expressed apprehension about the new works, which is being conducted on one of the busiest parts of C-Ring Road, largely because it commences shortly before schools resume in September.

In a comment on Doha News story announcing the new construction last week, Deepak Babu said:

“It’s not enough that that they have dug up and made a mess of the phase 1 part near from the Gulf Cinema Signal till the old arrivals airport, now they will dig up the Ramada Junction also. Couldn’t they finish one mess before starting the other atleast? Phase 1 was quoted to be over in 3 months. I really doubt the current mess is considered ‘almost complete.'”

However, commenter QMR argued:

“Happy to see Ashghal is getting it done. They have been performing small miracles with the removal of the roundabouts and now they are addressing the traffic lights that take forever to change to green. As a western expat, I am impressed by the speed of the projects and the actions taken. Yeah the corniche was a pain during the roundabout removals but I am happy they did it.”

Do you expect the construction to affect you? Thoughts?