Doha, Qatar – Motorists traveling through the Mesaimeer Interchange should plan for potential delays this weekend. The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has announced the temporary Mesaimeer Interchange tunnel closure for essential maintenance, impacting traffic flow from Mesaieed Road towards Rawdat Al Khail Street. The closure is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, December 26 and 27, 2025, between 2:00 AM and 10:00 AM each day.
The affected area is the tunnel specifically serving traffic transitioning from Mesaieed Road onto Rawdat Al Khail Street. Ashghal is coordinating with the General Directorate of Traffic to manage the disruption and provide alternative routes for drivers. This temporary shutdown is intended to facilitate critical upkeep of the interchange infrastructure, a vital component of Doha’s road network.
Understanding the Mesaimeer Interchange Closure
The eight-hour closure each day will allow Ashghal crews to perform necessary maintenance work within the tunnel. While the specific nature of the maintenance hasn’t been detailed, such work often includes inspections, repairs to lighting and ventilation systems, and potential concrete or structural enhancements. These preventative measures are crucial for ensuring the long-term safety and functionality of the Mesaimeer Interchange.
Alternative Routes Available
To mitigate the impact of the closure, Ashghal has designated alternative routes for affected drivers. These detours, as indicated in maps released by Ashghal, will guide traffic around the closed tunnel section. Motorists are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with these routes prior to their journey to avoid unexpected delays. The General Directorate of Traffic will also be deploying personnel to assist with traffic management and route guidance during the closure period.
The Mesaimeer Interchange is a significant transportation hub in Doha, connecting major roadways including the East West Express Highway and facilitating access to key residential and commercial areas. Regular maintenance of such a critical infrastructure point is essential to prevent more extensive and disruptive repairs in the future. Additionally, the timing of the closure – during the early morning hours – aims to minimize peak traffic congestion.
However, even with alternative routes and off-peak timing, some delays are anticipated. Commuters traveling between Mesaieed and Rawdat Al Khail Street during the specified hours should allow extra travel time. The closure may also indirectly affect traffic on surrounding roads as drivers adjust to the altered flow. Road users are advised to check Ashghal’s website for the latest updates and detailed detour maps.
This maintenance work is part of Ashghal’s ongoing commitment to improving and maintaining Qatar’s road infrastructure. Similar maintenance activities have been conducted on other major interchanges throughout Doha in recent years, demonstrating a proactive approach to infrastructure management. The Ministry of Transport has also emphasized the importance of regular inspections and preventative maintenance to ensure the safety and efficiency of the national road network. The traffic situation in Doha is constantly evolving with ongoing construction projects, making proactive maintenance even more vital.
In contrast to larger-scale construction projects that can span months or years, this road closure is a relatively short-term disruption. The focused nature of the maintenance work allows for a quick turnaround, minimizing the overall impact on commuters. Meanwhile, Ashghal continues to invest in long-term infrastructure improvements, including the expansion of the expressway network and the development of new public transportation options.
Following the completion of the maintenance work on December 27th, the tunnel is expected to reopen to traffic by 10:00 AM. Ashghal will likely conduct a post-maintenance inspection to verify the effectiveness of the repairs. Motorists should continue to monitor Ashghal’s official channels for any unforeseen extensions to the closure or further announcements regarding road maintenance in the area. The long-term impact on traffic flow will be assessed, and future maintenance schedules will be planned accordingly.
