The New Orbital Highway.

UK-BASED consultant WSP has won a contract from international contractor J&P Overseas for the 45-km New Orbital Highway in Qatar.

The project in south Doha involves the construction of dual five-lane highways and a two-lane truck highway as well as four major grade separated junctions. It will also have footpaths and lanes for cyclists.

WSP said it is providing full highway design services including bridges and civil engineering structures for the project.

Jim Ratliff, the managing director of management and industry, commented: “We are extremely pleased to have won these contracts, delivered by our teams in the UK and Middle East. We have been developing our skills addressing the Middle East market for some time now and have established a good market presence for infrastructure and commercial development.”

The QR3.26-billion ($895 million) project will connect the New Doha Port and Al Wakrah bypass, which is currently under construction, and includes a road linking Mesaieed Road to the East-West corridor.

On completion of the New Orbital Highway project between Al Khor and Mesaieed, the road will provide an orbital track around Doha and pave way for a truck route between Mesaieed Industrial City and Ras Laffan Industrial City.

WSP was involved with the new Hamad International Airport (HIA) in Doha and is active across the UAE, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia.