Workers seen executing the project. PICTURE: Nasar T K.

The expansion and drainage system upgrade work on the stretch of Najma Street, between E-Ring and F-Ring roads in Doha, is proceeding well, it is learnt.
A large posse of workers and a good number of construction equipment have been pressed into service to finish the work as scheduled, a supervisor told Gulf Times. The work is expected to be completed by the end of the Eid al-Adha holidays, he added.
The supervisor said finishing touches on the six-lane road, including the adjacent Hadara Street, are under way.
The work, however, continues to cause traffic congestion in the area especially during peak hours. Vehicular movement is open now only on one lane on either side and this slows down the flow of traffic, a motorist said.
As per an earlier announcement the whole Najma road development project is expected to last four months.
Qatar’s public works authority, Ashghal, had launched the project for widening E-Ring Road and Najma Street in the Old Airport area to add more capacity to Doha’s overburdened road network.
The scope of the project, which runs along the borders of the Old Airport, Nuaija and Al Thumama areas, includes constructing a signalised intersection where Najma and Al Hadara streets meet, about half a kilometer south of E-Ring Road. Short stretches of Najma and Al Hadara will be widened and realigned to accommodate the new intersection. It also includes realigning and widening 3.3km of E-Ring Road.
Ashghal was widely applauded when the stretch of the Najma Street between Gulf Cinema (Al Mansoura intersection) and The Mall (Al Nuaija intersection) was reopened to traffic after upgrading works were finished nearly three weeks ahead of schedule on July 5. The busy road links C-Ring Road with D-Ring Road.
The new signal-controlled junction at the intersection of Al Hadara Street with Najma Street and Al Thumama Street is to improve traffic flow in the area, the public works authority said. The plan also comprises improved landscaping, street lighting and footpaths. Cycle paths will also be installed.