Tests of the first part of the Doha Metro are due to start in the autumn of 2016, setting the scene for the full completion of the project’s $15bn first phase in 2019, MEED’s Mena Rail & Metro Summit in Dubai was told on 6 October.

Peter Housley, project director for the joint venture of the US’ Louis Berger and France’s Egis Rail (LBERJV), said the civil work for the 6-kilometre elevated and at-grade section of the Red Line South is due to be finished in less than a year.

LBERJV provides project management consultancy services for elevated and at-grade sections of the Red Line North, Red Line South and the Green Line. They have a combined length of about 16 kilometres.

“Civils design is complete, with only the design of stations fit-outs remaining,” Housley said about progress on the Red Line South. “The enabling batching plant and precast yard are fully operational and are working at peak capacity.”

“More than 75 per cent of all foundations and more than 60 per cent of all piers are complete, and 35 per cent of all pier caps have been installed in readiness for viaduct installation,” he said.

Housley said nine viaduct spans have been completed. The Red Line South elevated and at-grade project calls for the construction of three stations: Economic Zone; Ras Abu Fontas; and Al-Wakra.

“The stations at Economic Zone and Ras Abu Fontas have progressed to concourse level,” he said. “The Al-Wakra station is progressing at a pace.”

Work has started on station mock-ups, where finishes and fittings can be displayed and approved.