Qatar residents have reported major traffic congestion this morning on C-Ring Road going toward the Corniche following a new diversion at Toyota signal.
Commuters attempting to go straight through the signal found that the road was blocked off starting early this morning.
The closure has continued into the afternoon, turning Toyota signal into a T-junction in which motorists can only turn left toward Grand Hamad St., or right toward the old airport.
Friday morning is usually a quiet time for traffic, which is why Ashghal may have chosen to close the junction then.
But no prior notice was given, prompting residents stuck in the congestion to complain about the situation on social media.
On Facebook, residents warned each to stay away from Toyota signal, with one person saying their normal five-minute journey was turned into an hour-long slog.
On Twitter, motorists explained frustration and confusion:
@dohanews What is happening on C-ring and old airport road!? How do you cross the city??
— Roisin (@RingsendRosie) September 12, 2014
@dohanews @sidbawany @qatarliving blocked from airport signal and Toyota signal trough to VIP roundabout since around 7am
— Rachel Morris (@rachelannmorris) September 12, 2014
https://twitter.com/nadir80132in/status/510395930655211520
https://twitter.com/suzannebouwes/status/510360639454191616
According to an engineer onsite, public works authority Ashghal is laying the final layer of asphalt at the junction, as part of an ongoing C Ring overhaul.
The intersection is supposed to reopen later today, he added.
Were you affected by the closure? Thoughts?
It’s one day for gods sake and they picked a Friday to do it. Such complainers.
This may be so but at least plan and stage it and provide information to drivers. Ashgal have a tricky job but they make it worse for themselves by keeping everyone in the dark on occasions like this.
It’s fine as long as you’re not stuck on a crowded service road having to reverse all the way back because no one bothered to put a sign saying the road ahead is closed.
if anything i believe they are trying to finish the project prior to it’s deadline, therefore they were prompted to close the road to lay down the new street pavements this Friday otherwise have to wait till next week for the same low traffic opportunity. They do it on a Friday very early morning to take advantage of the sun have the layed pavement it should dry up and be reopened very soon…
Small point…asphalt cools….it doesn’t dry…therefore the heat of the sun slows the opening of the road
Then my bad… Saw them laying it at around 5 am figured coz they need to “dry” it
Judging by the lack of planning and information about the closure…It looks to me as though someone up high has looked at the traffic jams and told Ashghal to get the roadworks off the road as quickly as possible….whether the road gets fixed or not