Qatar’s Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has launched an ambitious 12km-long infrastructure project, comprising three bridges interconnected by subsea tunnels.

The new project, called Sharq Crossing, 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 crossing will include three interconnected bridges, named West Bay, Cultural City and Al-Sharq, between 600 and 1,310 metres in length.

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

Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava designed the bridges, which are inspired by the image of flying fish. One of the bridges will have a two-deck structure incorporating a recreational park accessible via an elevated walkway and a funicular railway.

“Sharq Crossing is an engineering masterpiece of design, and, while providing an important new artery to Doha’s existing road network, it will be instantly recognisable across the world and will be an emblem for Qatar,” said Nasser bin Ali al-Mawlawi president of Ashghal.

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