Qatar will spend $45 billion over the next five years on developing the country's rail and road networks and $1 billion on a proposed crossing between the airport and Northern Doha, said a report.

According to Business Monitor International (BMI), the country will see a growth of 11.6 per cent to QR27.4 billion ($7.5 billion) during 2011 and continuing in an upward trajectory to the end of BMI’s forecast period to 2015.

Existing project timelines are also likely to accelerate to meet other infrastructure requirements.

The Qatari government has agreed to invest QR3 billion ($824 million) in 13 large infrastructure projects across the country through the Public Works Authority, Ashghal. Key road projects include a three-lane highway in Barwa City, the reconstruction of the Najma road and the development of the Doha Expressway, valued at $27 million.

The latter which will connect the north and south of Qatar is anticipated to be completed in 2015 and involves a number of interconnected roads, bridges, interchanges and underpasses.

In addition, the Dukhan Highway, also under construction, has been valued at $300 million. The largest proposed projects located within the Lusail City development include the Lusail Highway, tendered at $687 million, Light Rail Transit network and marina bridges.

All of the projects include a number of bridge projects which have been designed and located to account for the rising population and aim to increase accessibility, reduce commute times and ease traffic congestion.

These projects and tenders in addition to evaluating best-practice methods and standards for creating durable, sustainable bridge structures will be highlighted at the fourth annual Bridges Middle East summit in Doha from November 27 to 30. – TradeArabia News Service