In a step to alleviate traffic congestion on Doha’s E-Ring Road, the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) will fully open  the temporary steel bridge, constructed over the Mesaimeer junction (also known as Al Obaidli roundabout), to traffic this evening.

A first in Qatar, the  bridge is an interim solution to ease the traffic flow in the area until the completion of development works of the E-Ring Road.

“Road users can now benefit from reduced travel time and take advantage of a free-flow route from the Al Thumama roundabout towards the Bu Hamour area without the need to travel through the Mesaimeer junction,” an official said.

“The bridge will provide a temporary solution to traffic congestion  at the Mesaimeer junction which is at full capacity,” he said.

Ashghal  built the steel bridge to accommodate traffic coming from the E-Ring Road towards the Rawdat Al Khail Street after  a “comprehensive  study”.

With a total cost of QR30mn, the project comprises the construction of around 1.2km directional ramp. The 240m-long bridge has one free-flow lane for traffic with a shoulder serving as an emergency parking lane.

To ensure the safety of  road users and to reduce accidents, the speed limit has been set at 50km per hour. However, in case of an accident or emergency, the affected vehicles can stop  on the shoulder and wait for emergency services without disrupting traffic.

In order to maintain the traffic flow, heavy vehicles are prevented  from using the bridge. Heavy vehicles will only be allowed to use existing roads at the Mesaimeer junction.

This procedure aims to reduce major traffic jams in the area and allow cars to turn left from the E-Ring Road (near airport, west) towards the Rawdat Al Khail Street (through east industrial, west).

 The project team, in partnership with the Expressway Programme consultant team, was able to complete the project according to schedule.

The temporary bridge is part of the E-Ring Road project which aims to develop and improve the main roads within Doha. The project includes the development of the E-Ring Road from the Al Muntazah intersection to the Airport Road intersection (Ahmad Al-Ahmad intersection).