* A-Ring Road development project to enhance traffic movement in heart of Doha
Traffic flow in the heart of Doha is set for a boost as the A-Ring Road development project by the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) nears completion.
The project involves the development of nine intersections to improve traffic movement and will be completed by the third quarter of this year, according to information available on the Ashghal website.
It is being implemented in five phases and includes the conversion of Dar Al Kutub Roundabout into a signal-controlled intersection as well as the development of the Al Rifaa, Al Diwan, Hamad Al Kabeer, Nasser Bin Khaled, Al Kahrabaa, Msheireb, Al Asmakh and Sofitel intersections.
The development works assume significance due to the road’s strategic location, as A-Ring Road is a link between the heart of Doha and its suburbs. It is directly connected to a number of vital roads such as Ras Abu Abboud Street, B-Ring Road, Majlis Al Taawon Street, Salwa Road and Al Rayyan Road.
Ashghal started development works there in 2018 and has so far completed the conversion and development of some roundabouts while other infrastructure development works continue. 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. Besides, it also links tourist destinations such as National Museum of Qatar, Souq Waqif and Al Bidda Park, as well as development projects in the capital such as Msheireb Downtown Doha.
As part of the development project, the capacity of A-Ring Road is being 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 parking slots available along the road is being increased, while 3km of pedestrian and bicycle lanes are also being set up. Installation of signboards and provision of pedestrian crossings to enhance road safety, as well as landscaping and interlocking works are also part of the project.