The Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ has opened the longest and deepest bidirectional tunnel in Qatar for beneficial use as part of the construction of the Al Rayyan Road Upgrade Project Phase 2. The tunnel forms part of the newly upgraded 2.1 kilometre stretch between Bu Erayen and Lebday Street. According to the press release published by Ashghal, the event was attended by Eng. Yousef Al Emadi, Manager of Highway Projects Department, Brigadier General Mohammed Maarafiya, Manager of MOI Traffic Safety Department, and a number of officials and project engineers.
The new tunnel is a major link between Bu Erayen and Lebday Street Streets spanning the interchange known as Al Mokafaha and Lebday Interchange.
The tunnel is 1.5 kilometers long. It sits 25 meters below ground level making it the longest and deepest bi-directional tunnel in Qatar. At this initial stage, two (2) out of four (4) lanes in each direction will be delivered, accommodating 8,000 vehicles per hour in each direction.
The tunnel forms part of the complex three (3) level interchange known as Al Mokafaha interchange. At-grade there is signalised junction which facilitates traffic movements in all directions including Al Waab, Bani Hajer and Doha. Beneath this is an underpass which allows road users to travel seamlessly between Doha and Bani Hajer. The tunnel is beneath the underpass both of which replace the old roundabout.
The Project Manager Mr. Jumah Al Bader confirmed that the newly opened section of road and tunnel will reduce travel time between Bu Erayen and Lebday Street and Al Luqta and Al Waab by up to 65 % particularly due to the increased lane capacity and removal of the existing diversions and will reduce traffic congestion on 22 February street.
He added that the construction of the new tunnel faced many challenges that were overcome. For instance, it was necessary to establish multiple traffic diversions and the construction of two temporary signalised intersections to facilitate the progress of works. Excavating 25 metres below ground level meant that the project team had to manage extremely large quantities of groundwater. He explained that the tunnel is fitted with all the safety and security facilities and that a dedicated building was constructed to serve as the central control room for monitoring and controlling all operating system. This built-in system will allow the safe operation of the tunnel.
The opening of the tunnel follows another series of openings achieved by Ashghal towards the end of 2018 as follows: the partial opening of two new underpasses at the interchange known as Al Mokafaha and Khalid Bin Abdullah Al Attiyah Interchange and the partial opening of a new bridge at Khalid Bin Abdullah Al Attiyah Interchange and a new tunnel at Sheikh Khalid Bin Hamad Al Thani Interchange.
The Public Works Authority, Ashghal has achieved 88% completion of the Al Rayyan Road Upgrade Project and is on target to complete in Q1 2019.
The Al Rayyan Road upgrade Phase Two project is a critical inner city project that will enhance 5.5 kilometers of Al Rayyan Road and Al Rayyan Al Jadeed Street to the west of Olympic Intersection. As well as increasing the lane capacity of the main carriageway to four (4) lanes in each direction, the project will deliver four (4) main interchanges and upgrade of a flyover and a tunnel.
It will also provide upgraded service roads to serve businesses and residential areas as well as dedicated pedestrian and cycle paths. Notably, the project scope includes the upgrade of utility infrastructure such as treated sewage effluent lines, Stormwater drainage network, potable water line and foul water networks as well as landscaping and beautification works
Residential Areas
The project caters to several residential areas throughout its stretch from Doha to Bani Hajer including Al Rayyan, Muraykh, Lebday, Luaib, Al Waab, Al Messila, Al Luqta and Al Hetmi Al Jadeed.
Sports Facilities
Travelling on Al Rayyan Road Upgrade Project Phase Two will provide improved access to Al Furousiya Equestrian Complex and Al Shaqab Horse Racing Academy.
Key business districts
The project serves a number of key business districts such as Al Shafi Street commercial area in New Al Rayyan and creating easy access to Jarir Bookstore, Family Food Center, and Al Rawabi Food Center.
Leisure facilities
The project will provide easy access to Al Rayyan Park.
Educational institutions
The project will provide easy access to Qatar Foundation and Education City.
Metro Stations
The project will provide good connectivity to three local metro stations; Al Messila Station, Al Rayyan Al Qadeem Station and Al Shaqab Station.
Khalid bin Abdullah Al Attiyah Interchange (Located at Al Rayyan Al Jadeed Street and Al Furousiya Street)
Three level interchange which includes one underpass, one signalised junction and one bridge. It provides connectivity towards Bani Hajer, Doha, Aspire Zone and Al Gharafa.
Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Thani Interchange (Located at Old Al Rayyan Street and Huwar Street)
Two level interchange which includes one underpass and one signalised junction. It provides connectivity towards Education City, Old Al Rayyan, Aspire Zone and Al Gharafa.
The Interchange known as Al Mokafaha (Located at Al Rayyan Al Jadeed Street and Al Bustan Street)
Three level interchange which includes one tunnel, one underpass and one signalised junction. It provides connectivity towards Bani Hajer, Doha, Al Bustan, Al Waab and Al Luqta.
Lebday Interchange (Located at Old Al Rayyan Street and Al Bustan Street)
Two level interchange which includes one tunnel and one signalised junction. It provides connectivity towards Old Al Rayyan, Education City, Al Waab and Al Luqta.
Al Rayyan Flyover (Connect Al Rayyan Road and 22nd February Road)
A flyover constructed within an existing four level Al Rayyan Interchange. It provides connectivity towards New Al Rayyan and Bani Hajer.
Al Messila Underpass (Connects Al Rayyan Al Jadeed Road and Jasim bin Hamad Street)
It provides connectivity towards Madinat Khalifa, Bani Hajer and Doha.
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