To be implemented on a design and build basis, the North Highway project calls for the upgrade of 150 kilometres of road into a four-lane dual carriageway, with several grade-separated interchanges. The consultant is Beirut-based Dar al-Handasah (Shair & Partners).

The scheme is the latest in a series of major highway projects launched by the ministry over the past year. Prequalification is due to close on 17 August for the Dukhan highway project, which involves the upgrade of 80 kilometres of existing road into a four-lane dual carriageway, with grade-separated interchanges. The consultant on the $190 million scheme is the UK's WS Atkins International.

Technical bid evaluation is also drawing to a close on the estimated $190 million Salwa road project. About eight international contractors have submitted bids for the work, which calls for the upgrade of 82 kilometres of highway into a four-lane dual carriageway with interchanges. The consultant is the US' De Leuw Cather International.

Awards are pending on three other major road projects which have been tendered over the past nine months. These cover the Salwa and Immigration interchange schemes, each valued at $40 million, and the estimated $60 million Ras Abu Aboud-F ring-road project, which is package 2 on the new Doha International Airport project (MEED 26:4:02).