The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has invited firms to bid by 7 August for the contract to build a 3.2 kilometre expressway and two intersections in Duhail and Al-Gharrafa streets.

The scope covers upgrade of the existing Shaikh Faisal roundabout (JN-111) at the junction of Al-Gharrafa and Al-Maszhabaliya streets and the existing grade-separated intersection at the junction of Al-Shamal Road and Al-Gharrafa and Al-Khafji streets (JN-112).

MEED understands the reconstruction of these junctions comprise an interim scheme, which would form the first phase of the final design of a road project to be constructed after 2022.

Ashghal awarded an estimated $2.6bn-worth of road contracts in 2017, according to regional tracker MEED Projects.

An estimated $1.4bn-worth of contracts are due to be awarded this year.