By Ramesh Mathew
Staff Reporter

Ashghal managing director Nasser Ali al-Mawlawi (left) and others at the meeting held at Hilton Doha where contracts worth QR1.4bn were awarded yesterday. PICTURE: Jayaram
Two major road development works were among an array of contracts awarded by Ashghal yesterday as part of Qatar’s determination to provide better infrastructure for its residents.
At a meeting yesterday, attended by senior Ashghal officials, contracts worth QR1.4bn were awarded for works in roads, drainage and building projects to be executed within the next two years across the country.
Among the major works to be undertaken is the QR334mn worth 16km Huwailah  road project to link Ras Laffan Industrial City (RLIC) with more areas on the country’s north-eastern areas.
Another important development is the building of an underground pedestrian corridor along Jassem bin Mohamed Street, linking Souq Waqif and the garden near the Grand Mosque on the northern side of the Musheireb Street intersection.
The project is part of the QR98mn work to be undertaken as part of the upgrading and beautification of Rayyan Road.
Informing this yesterday, managing director and CEO of Ashghal Nasser Ali al-Maulawi said the 16km stretch, passing mainly through the western side and partly on the northern side will be expanded to facilitate movement of smooth traffic to the industrial city for light as well as heavy vehicles.
One of the notable features of the project will be the connectivity that it would provide to the North Road at Lahwilah Interchange.
It includes an 8.5km dual carriage way, featuring three or four lanes on either side, separated by median along the complete distance.
The project also comprises a 7.5km highway connecting neighbouring residential areas, along with four signalled interchanges in different locations.
Besides the road, the ambitious project also consists of such infrastructural developments as rainwater drain system, wastewater treatment networks, drinking water supply lines, and extension of power and telecommunication supply lines.
As part of the upgrading work on a 1.8km stretch on the northern side of Musheireb between Diwan Street and Jassim Bin Mohamed Street on the Rayyan Road, a two-lane dual carriage highway with six traffic signals at as many intersections will be built.
New signals are coming up near the entrance of private parking to Emiri Diwan, Kahraba street, Abdulla Thani street and at the inter-section at Jassem bin Mohamed Street among other locations.
While Bin Omran Trading & Contracting Company will execute the Huwailah road project, upgrading work of Rayyan Road has been awarded to a consortium of HBK Contracting and QBS International.