Newly-opened Al Kharaitiyat Interchange to revolutionise traffic movement in large, congested area

The country’s North Road Corridor Enhancement project, a major component of the Public Works Authority’s (Ashghal) Expressway programme, received a big shot in the arm with the opening of the renovated Al Kharaitiyat Interchange.

The old junction, which had only a single two-lane bridge, catered to around 4,000 vehicles per hour.

A Qatar Living user, who got to drive around the new interchange, kindly shared this video with us.

The newly-opened interchange boasts of eight bridges and flyovers, with three to four lanes in each direction, and can cater to around 16,000 vehicles per hour, reported Gulf Times.

“Ashghal was keen on recreating the critical Al Kharaitiyat Interchange to enable bigger road capacity and better traffic access for residents in neighbouring areas like Al Kharaitiyat, Al Ebb, and Leabib. It would also help nearby business facilities and provide alternative routes for road users travelling from and into Al Shamal Road,” Ashghal explained in a statement.

It also spoke about the facilities on its social media site Twitter.

The Interchange links eastern Al Ebb & Leabib to western Al Kharaitiyat, Bani Hajer, Al Rayyan & businesses #Ashghal #Qatar pic.twitter.com/AtttuOihlc

— هيئة الأشغال العامة (@AshghalQatar) March 5, 2017

#Ashghal: Al Kharaitiyat Interchange will ease traffic flow in all 4 directions non-stop #Qatar pic.twitter.com/fZmln83kr8

— هيئة الأشغال العامة (@AshghalQatar) March 5, 2017

The new Interchange increases traffic capacity to 16000 vehicle/hour for road users heading from Lusail towards it #Ashghal #Qatar pic.twitter.com/fyikYLSK6d

— هيئة الأشغال العامة (@AshghalQatar) March 5, 2017

The upgraded interchange will serve as a main access point on the North Road, linking areas in the eastern part like Al Ebb, Leabib, Lusail, Arab League Street leading to Qatar University, Al Dafna, Al Khor Coastal Road and the nearby vital commercial destinations, reported Qatar Tribune.

The interchange will also have direct links with western areas of Al Kharaitiyat, Bani Hajer, Al Wajba, Al Rayyan and Al Rufaa Street leading to Dukhan Highway and Al Jahhaniya Interchange, reported Qatar News Agency.

Salient Features

* The best feature about the new development is that it is a free-flowing junction without a single road signal or roundabouts on the way.

* Ashghal has installed lights along the bridges, entrances and exits and placed necessary signage for better traffic safety.

* The enhancements along the road feature lines for potable water and treated sewage effluent as well as foot and cycle paths.