Construction of an enormous 42km dual carriageway to the south of Qatar’s capital city Doha was observed first hand by CIHT members when they paid a visit to site recently. The project is known as ‘Contract 2’ of the country’s New Orbital Highway & Truck Route – a 190km scheme to bypass Doha and relieve existing and expected traffic congestion in the city. It will also provide connectivity to destinations such as Hamad Port. The Orbital Highway is the first design and build expressway in Qatar and its delivery is broken into four contracts. Contract 2 is being delivered by QDVC – Bin Omran joint venture which facilitated the visit by CIHT. An engineer from the joint venture Nicholas Baron told members that the project consists of seven lanes in each direction – five for light vehicles and two for trucks – as well as five grade separated interchanges. It also includes pedestrian and bicycle routes complete with overpass structures and well as landscaping, hardscape and irrigation works. The project is over half way complete and involves around 6000 staff.

Nicholas Baron also explained the complexity of some of the junctions’ design and construction and described some of the major challenges encountered on the project. After the briefing members enjoyed a 20km long site visit during which they were able to witness the on going construction of the new highway in addition to various structures and grade separated intersections. CIHT Qatar thanked the project team for sharing its time and knowledge with the attendees.