The Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ hosted an industry engagement day to inform engineering and contracting firms of the opportunities to participate in one of the country’s most technologically advanced infrastructure programme, Sharq Crossing. Comprising three iconic bridges linked with two immersed tunnels and a marine tunnel interchange spanning Doha Bay, the project will connect Doha’s Hamad International Airport with the city’s cultural district of Katara in the north and the downtown central business district of West Bay.

Attended by contracting, consulting and operations and maintenance organisations registered in and outside Qatar, the industry engagement event was also attended by HE Eng. Nasser Bin Ali Al Mawlawi, President of Public Works Authority, and Brigadier Eng. Yacob al-Kazem, Sharq Crossing Programme Director, as well as Ashghal’s project team and representatives of Calatrava Mideast Ltd and Fluor Corporation.

Following a welcome address by Eng. Brigadier Yacob al-Kazem,a comprehensive presentation was given to the attendees that provided programme specific information such as proposed works, timeline, and key implementation considerations. The presentation also covered information on tendering requirements and the procurement strategy for Sharq Crossing’s upcoming bidding process. The event provided a central platform for the attendees to engage in discussions and open dialogue about the various aspects of the project with members of Ashghal’s project team.

Ashghal unveiled the concept designs of the 12 kilometre Sharq Crossing programme in December 2013. Designed by world renowned architect, engineer and artist Santiago Calatrava, the project is one of the most technologically advanced and complex programmes being undertaken by Ashghal to enhance Qatar’s transportation network ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2022 and to fulfil Qatar National Vision 2030.

The Sharq Crossing programme includes three inter-connected bridges named “West Bay”, “Cultural Village”, and “Sharq” between 600 and 1,310 metres in length and connects to eight kilometres of subsea tunnels. West Bay Bridge will be a two-deck tied arched structure incorporating a “longitudinal park” and cable car system, extending to an island of terraced levels providing recreational facilities and a marina. Cultural Village Bridge will comprise of a series of cable-stayed structures that skim across the bay in a pattern of descending scales creating a long bridge.

Sharq Bridge will be a tubular structure which spans the inlet adjacent to Doha’s new Hamad International Airport offering a novel, sleek conceptual form providing visitors stunning view of downtown Doha’s skyline. Implementing the most stringent international design standards, the Sharq Crossing bridges will be developed in a way to minimise long-term impact to the marine environment.

Designed to meet strict international traffic management and safety requirements, the immersed tunnel link between Sharq Bridge and West Bay bridge will consist of three lanes each way and two lanes in each direction between West Bay Bridge and Cultural Village Bridge. Health and safety has been carefully considered across all aspects of the crossing and specifically tunnel design, combining enhanced fire-resistant structures with ventilation, smoke exhaust and dedicated pressurized escape routes.

Construction of the Sharq Crossing Programme is estimated to commence during 2015 with completion expected by 2021.

- ILQ News -

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