Qatar’s public works authority Ashghal has officially opened the first phase of the New Orbital Highway and Truck Route, which will serve as a vital link between the country's southern and northern regions. 

Phase one includes opening 125km road stretch extending from Hamad Port to Al Shamal Road, up to Lusail and Al Khor. 

The project includes construction of 21 main interchanges, tunnels and flyovers that connect Orbital Highway with the highways and key routes such as G-Ring Road, Salwa Road, Dukhan Highway, and Al Shamal Road.

Ashghal intends the new route to improve traffic flow within the region and also shorten journey times by nearly 50% compared with using existing roads. 

According to Ashghal, the construction process has been accelerated in order to complete the project ahead of its schedule. 

"Orbital Highway will be linked to a number of stadiums where the Fifa 2022 World Cup will be held."

The new road is expected to improve the transport of merchandises and goods from the country's south to the north, especially in the port area, which sees a movement of more than 2,500 trucks a day. 

Orbital Highway will also be linked to a number of stadiums, including Al Rayyan Stadium, Al Khor Stadium, Lusail Stadium, as well as other sports facilities where the Fifa 2022 World Cup will be held.

Qatar Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti stated the new Orbital Highway will provide direct connectivity to the Hamad Port and will improve traffic flow to and from the port throughout the day.

Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti said: “The new openings will enhance goods traffic directly and for the first time from Hamad Port to Al Shamal Road and then to Al Khor passing through the G Ring Road, the Industrial Area, Salwa Road, and Dukhan Highway.”

Image: Qatar opens phase one of the New Orbital Highway and Truck Route. Photo: courtesy of Ashghal.