Qatar’s Public Works Authority (Ashghal) is preparing to tender design and build construction contracts on its estimated $12bn Sharq Crossing scheme in 2014.

The 12 kilometre-long project, which was officially launched in December 2013, is one of the biggest infrastructure schemes planned in Qatar. It involves building three bridges interconnected by subsea tunnels across Doha Bay, which, when completed, will link Doha’s new Hamad International airport with the city’s cultural district of Katara and the central business area of West Bay.

Ashghal is planning to start the prequalification process for the design and build contracts at the end of February, ahead of tendering contracts in the second half of 2014. The first contract awards are expected to be made at the end of 2014 or in early 2015.

Although not finalised yet, it is understood that there will be four to seven packages covering the construction of the bridges and tunnels.

Ashghal still has to hire a consultant to finalise the packages and prepare the tender documents. Firms are currently preparing to submit bids at the end of February for this role that will involve working closely with Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, which prepared the concept designs for the bridges.

The crossing will include three interconnected bridges, named West Bay, Cultural City and Al-Sharq, which will be between 600 metres and 1,310 metres in length. The designs are inspired by flying fish, and one of the bridges will have a two-deck structure incorporating a recreational park accessible by an elevated walkway and a funicular railway.

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

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

Qatar is developing a number of major infrastructure project ahead of the World Cup. It has started work on a new metro system in Doha, and this year will tender contracts on a major new sewage network serving the south of the capital.