DOHA: A new traffic control system that can measure vehicular flow and open roads accordingly will be installed on the Corniche street.
The system, to be put up at the intersections being set up on the key arterial road, will react to the volume of traffic and automatically switch on the green lights to reduce congestion. This function is called ‘green waves.’
Eight roundabouts on the Corniche being changed into intersections will be controlled by the Intelligent Traffic System (ITS) that will assess the volume of traffic and monitor the vehicles entering the junctions.
Work on the project is expected to be complete in November.
It will maximise the time during which green lights are on during heavy traffic, allow the vehicles to move smoothly and reduce congestion, said Saoud Al Thamimi, Head of Projects at Ashghal, at a press conference yesterday.
“Roundabouts were suitable when there was less traffic in Doha. The upgrade will ease traffic flow in the area. The new system will reduce the traffic and help vehicles move smoothly in the Corniche area,” he said, explaining about Ashghal’s road work on the Corniche. “Also, it will reduce the driving time and reduce congestion while entering and exiting the West Bay, east and west areas of Doha,” he added.
Eight roundabouts, including those near the Museum of Islamic Art, Al Diwan, National Theatre, Wadi Al Sail, Oryx, Onaiza, the National Library and Lejbailat will be upgraded as intersections with Intelligent Traffic System besides the Grand Hamad junction. Road work on Al Corniche Street started in July and more than 50 percent of the project has been completed.
The first phase of the project with underground work is expected to finish by next week, while the second phase which includes installing traffic lights and the project will be completed by end of November 2013, said Al Thamimi.
“Median strips and parking space on either sides of the road will remain as same,” he said.
The six-month project will cost QR150m to QR200m, while nearly 1,500 workers are employed by three sub -contractors.
