Estimated to cost $192 million, the scope of work includes: the detailed design and upgrade of about 80 kilometres of highway into a four-lane dual carriageway; the construction of grade-separated interchanges; the construction of utility diversions; highway works; and fencing, drainage and lighting.

The consultant for the project, which forms part of the Qatar primary routes programme, is the UK's WS Atkins International.

There are two other major projects under design on the programme. The larger of the two is the estimated $365 million Doha expressway/D ring-road project. It calls for the construction of a highway and interchanges running from immigration roundabout to Doha International Airport. The US's De Leuw Cather is expected to complete designs by December.

The second project, the North road, covers the upgrade of 140 kilometres of highway into a four-lane carriageway. The project is estimated to cost $330 million. Beirut-based Dar al-Handasah (Shair & Partners) is the design consultant.