Qatar opens two tunnels at Pearl Interchange

Qatar's Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has opened two new tunnels at Pearl Interchange on Lusail Expressway aimed at reducing traffic congestion. The opening of the two tunnels comes as part of a series of upcoming openings before Eid, which include opening Ali bin Abi Talib Street, TV Intersection, Messila Tunnel, Jassim bin Hamad Street, in addition to Olympic Intersection which will be in the few coming days, said a statement from Ashghal. Speaking at the inauguration, Ashghal President Saad bin Ahmad Al Muhannadi said the opening of the tunnels will have a big impact on reducing traffic congestion at Pearl Interchange. "But the full positive impact will be felt more after the full completion of Lusail Expressway in the first quarter of 2018." The first tunnel is over 317 m long in the direction from the Pearl to West Bay area, while the second tunnel is 408 m long in the direction from West Bay to the Pearl. Each tunnel has three lanes and is 17 m wide. The Pearl Interchange is a three-level interchange and provides access from and to residential and business areas in Legtaifiya Lagoon area, also the Pearl metro station is nearby, said Al Muhannadi. The two tunnels will accommodate traffic coming to and from the Pearl and connect it with Lusail Expressway through the north and south canal crossings, which reduces traffic congestion at Pearl Interchange, he added. According to him, the Pearl Interchange will also help connect Doha with Lusail City and northern areas through the two canal crossings. The North Canal Crossing is 200 m long and has six lanes in each direction, and provides direct access to Lusail City and northern areas, while the South Canal Crossing is 125 m long and has eight lanes in each direction between Onaiza Interchange and Pearl Interchange