The Qatari government has announced plans to build three new bridges, which will be interconnected by subsea tunnels, before the FIFA World Cup takes place in the country in 2022
According to Reuters, Qatar's Public Works Authority (Ashghal) president, Nasser Ali Al Mawlawi, said the venture, known as the Sharq Crossing Project, will include three bridges ranging between 600 metres and 1,310 metres. These bridges will link Doha's new Hamad International Airport with the city's Katara district and the central business area of West Bay.
Ashghal did not reveal the project value but said the construction of the bridges would begin in 2015.
The bridges for the project have been designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. One of the bridges is expected to have a two-deck structure with a recreational park, which would be accessible via an elevated walkway and a funicular railway.
Earlier this year, Qatar announced plans to spend as much as US$140bn on infrastructure projects, which include a new airport, stadiums, roads and railways, as it prepares to host the World Cup tournament.
The government of Qatar has awarded contracts worth US$8.2bn to local and international contractors in June, to construct the first phase of the Doha Metro project.
