A-Ring Road project to reduce congestion

*Ashghal completes more than 54% of development works

The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has completed more than 54% of the A-Ring Road development works, a senior official has said.

The project, being implemented in five phases, includes the development of nine intersections, which will contribute to enhancing traffic flow and improving movement in the area.

The works comprise converting Dar Al Kutub Roundabout into a signal-controlled intersection as well as developing Al Rifaa, Al Diwan, Hamad Al Kabeer, Nasser Bin Khaled, Al Kahrabaa, Msheireb, Al Asmakh and Sofitel intersections.

Mohamed Arqoub al-Khaldi, assistant director of Ashghal's Highways Projects Department, said the development works assume significance due to the road’s strategic location.

“The A-Ring Road is a link between the heart of Doha and its suburbs. It’s directly connected to the most important streets and roads such as Ras Abu Abboud Street, the B-Ring Road, Majlis Al Taawon Street, Salwa Road and Al Rayyan Road,” Arabic daily Arrayah quoted him as saying.

Al-Khaldi said the development will enhance traffic flow and reduce congestion in the heart of Doha. A-Ring Road connects several commercial and residential areas and service facilities where the first ring connects many commercial and residential areas and service facilities. Besides, it also links tourist destinations like the National Museum of Qatar, Souq Waqif and Al Bidda Park, as well as development projects in the capital city, such as the Msheireb Downtown Doha.

As part of the development project, the capacity of the A-Ring Road will be enhanced by increasing the number of lanes from two to four in each direction. The project also includes increasing the number of parking bays, installing street lighting, constructing pedestrian and cycling lanes, providing road signs and pedestrian crossings to enhance road safety, and landscaping.

The number of car parks will be increased to 194. Three km of pedestrian and bicycle lanes are to be set up. Signboards will be installed and pedestrian crossing set up to enhance road safety. Landscaping works will be carried out on an area of ??26.4sq m and interlocking bricks will cover an area of ??92sq m.