The Public Works Ministry has extended the bid deadline to 4 July for the first ring-road extension project in Kuwait City to give prequalified local contractors time to team up with an international partner. The scheme entails the upgrade of 2.5 kilometres of carriageway, 10 bridges and a diversion of the existing underground utilities. The project also entails the construction of an 800-metre-long stretch of single-lane overpass, a 300-metre-long stretch of dual-carriageway overpass and a 1.5-kilometre section below ground level. Bids are also due on 27 April for the fifth ring-road project, which entails the upgrade of three kilometres of highway between Fahaheel expressway and Al-Taawin street into a motorway (MEED 9:4:04).