Contractors are preparing to submit the second set of prequalification documents for the estimated $12bn Sharq Crossing scheme on 18 October.

It is understood that 13-14 groups have been invited by Qatar’s Public Works Authority (Ashghal) to submit Stage 2 documents for the tunnels and 19-21 have been invited to submit forms for the bridges.

The 12-kilometre-long crossing, which was officially launched in December 2013, is one of the biggest infrastructure schemes planned in Qatar. It involves building three bridges interconnected by subsea tunnels across Doha Bay, which, when completed, will link Doha’s new Hamad International airport with the city’s cultural district of Katara and the central business area of West Bay.

The works will be split into eight packages:

1. Land-based enabling works contract
2. Marine-based enabling works contract
3. West Bay approach and bridge contract
4. Cultural City approach and bridge contract
5. Sharq approach and bridge contract
6. Immersed tunnel and marine interchange contract
7. Surface street modifications contract
8. Systems integration contract

There will also be an operations and maintenance contract.

The most significant packages are the design and build contracts covering the West Bay approach and bridge, the Cultural City approach and bridge, the Sharq approach and bridge, and the immersed tunnel and marine interchange contract.

There has been much speculation about the future of the project in recent months and the consultant to finalise the packages and prepare the tender documents has yet to be hired.

The consultancy role will involve working closely with Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, who prepared the concept designs for the bridges.

The authority has appointed US-based Fluor Corporation as the programme management consultant to supervise the construction.

Work on the project is expected to be completed before the Fifa World Cup in 2022.