Qatar has begun work on its new expressway project, the East West Corridor in south Doha, which will feature five lanes in each direction, said a report.

The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) said the new East West Corridor road will connect the Orbital Highway to the Hamad International Airport. Described as Qatar’s widest, the project will stretch from west of Barwa City to Al Matar Street south of the Air Force Roundabout, reported The Gulf Times.

The project, comprising construction of 22km of a new dual carriageway, will have eight grade-separated interchanges. They will provide new access to key roads and residential areas like Al Matar Street, Najma Street Extension, Barwa Access Road and the new Al Wakrah Bypass.

Work will cover the upgrade and relocation of utilities, new road lighting, installation of an intelligent transport system and storm-water drainage.

The mammoth project will see the installation of 2,842 m of drainage line and over 140,000 m of irrigation lines. Interfaces with metro rail will be accommodated to allow a future long distance rail corridor.

Pedestrian pathways and cycle lanes have been planned. More than 6,000 street lights will be installed on the East West Corridor.

The construction will be simultaneously undertaken on East and West Corridor. Being delivered by two contractors, Joannou & Paraskevaides (Overseas)/J&P-Avax SA (JV) and China Harbour Engineering Company, preliminary work, including temporary fencing and debris clearance, has already begun.