The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has completed the relocation works of the Pearl Monument to Al Fardah Roundabout in Al Wakra Old Souq adjacent to Al Wakra port in an attempt to preserve the cultural heritage of the country in accordance with Qatar National vision 2030.
The relocation works, according to an official statement by Ashghal, was carried out in collaboration with the Private Engineering Office as part of the expressway project for the upgrade of Al Wakra Main Road.
The Pearl Monument was relocated to enable the reconstruction of the Pearl Roundabout into a signal-controlled intersection as part of Al Wakra Main Road Upgrade Project.
Constructed in the 80s, the monument was inspired by the tranquil coastal nature of Al Wakra city. Pearl monument is symbolic for residents of Al Wakra city as it reflects the pearl diving heritage of the city.
Engineer Saleh al-Sheiba from Highway Projects Department said that the relocation of the concrete structure required a precise mechanism.
“A metallic base was manufactured for fixing the two shells weighing a total of 12 tonnes on the structure,” he said.
“Ashghal, in collaboration with the competent authorities and the General Directorate of Traffic, implemented adequate measures to ensure smooth traffic during the relocation process of the monument and throughout the project implementation period,” he added.
Engineer Nouh al-Joof from the Highway Projects Department, described the relocation process required some maintenance works to restore some parts affected during transportation. “Following the identification of the new location, we had to find technical solutions to overcome the high groundwater level,” al-Joof said.
Ashghal has commenced the construction works for the conversion of roundabouts all over Al Wakra main Road to signalised junctions following the successful opening of Al Wakra tunnel and its intersection that extends from Ras Bu Funtas and Barwa City towards Pearl Roundabout.
Ashghal continues the upgrading works of Al Wakra Main Road that extends over 5.5km from the old Pearl Roundabout to Woqod station located towards Mesaieed city.
These include the conversion of the Pearl, Ooredoo and Afja (known as Jabal roundabout) roundabouts to signalised intersections. Additionally, two new signalled intersections will be constructed in Al Razi street and towards AlWukair Road.
Al Wakra Main Road serves a large number of neighbourhoods and residential and commercial complexes in Al Wakra and Al Wukair. The vital expressway project in the southern area will alleviate traffic for the commuters coming from Al Wakra and directly heading to Doha in the North and to Mesaieed in the South. The upgraded road extends for 9km and the traffic capacity will be upgraded from two to three lanes in each direction.
Al Wakra main road creates a strategic link between Doha and Al Wakra as it is directly connected to the newly opened Expressway projects of G-Ring Road and the southern part of Doha Express Highway. Additionally, it serves the residential complexes, located on both eastern and western sides of the road. The main road of Al Wakra will also be integrated with the metro station.
The upgrade of Al Wakra main road is one of the key projects of Qatar’s expressway network. It will have a significant positive impact on the traffic movement in the country’s southern areas and contribute to reducing pressure on existing roads in other areas of Al Wakra by 60%.
Several leisure facilities are accessible via Al Wakra main Road including Al Wakra Old souq, Al Wakra family beach, and Al Wakra Celebration Halls.
The Pearl Monument at its new location.
