Doha, Qatar – The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has announced a complete closure of the Khaled Bin Ahmed Interchange Exit 14, connecting Salwa Road to East Industrial Road, from December 25th to 27th, 2025. This road closure is scheduled to facilitate essential maintenance work on the interchange, a key artery in Doha’s transportation network. Motorists are advised to plan alternative routes during this period to avoid significant delays.
The closure will begin at 12:00 AM on Thursday, December 25th, and continue until 7:00 AM on Saturday, December 27th. This temporary disruption affects traffic flow between Salwa Road and the East Industrial area, a significant hub for commercial and industrial activity. Ashghal’s announcement emphasizes the importance of adhering to speed limits and utilizing available diversion routes.
Understanding the Khaled Bin Ahmed Interchange Road Closure
Ashghal stated the road closure is necessary to perform critical maintenance on the Khaled Bin Ahmed Interchange. While the specific nature of the maintenance wasn’t detailed in the initial announcement, infrastructure projects of this scale often involve repairs to the road surface, bridge supports, or signaling systems. Regular maintenance is crucial for ensuring the long-term safety and efficiency of Doha’s road infrastructure.
Impact on Commuters and Businesses
The closure is expected to primarily impact commuters traveling between the Salwa Road corridor and the East Industrial Road area. This includes residents, workers, and transportation of goods to and from industrial facilities. Businesses in the East Industrial area may also experience logistical challenges during the closure period.
Ashghal is encouraging drivers to explore alternative routes and has indicated that diversions will be clearly marked. However, increased traffic on surrounding roads is anticipated. Motorists should allow for extra travel time and consider adjusting their schedules if possible. The potential for congestion is particularly high during peak hours.
Diversion Routes and Traffic Management
Ashghal has not yet released a detailed map of the diversion routes, but advises drivers to utilize nearby streets. It is expected that traffic will be redirected onto parallel roads and potentially through other major interchanges. The effectiveness of these diversions will depend on real-time traffic conditions and driver adherence to guidance.
Traffic management teams will be deployed to monitor traffic flow and assist drivers during the road closure. These teams will work to minimize disruption and ensure the safety of all road users. Additionally, Ashghal is utilizing social media channels to provide updates and information to the public.
Qatar has been undergoing significant infrastructure development in recent years, particularly in preparation for major international events. This has inevitably led to periodic traffic disruptions, but also to a substantial improvement in the overall road network. The country’s commitment to infrastructure investment is evident in projects like the ongoing expansion of the Doha Metro and the construction of new highways.
The East Industrial Road area is a vital component of Qatar’s economic landscape, housing numerous factories, warehouses, and commercial enterprises. Maintaining access to this area is a priority, and Ashghal aims to complete the maintenance work as quickly and efficiently as possible. This closure is part of a broader strategy to enhance the reliability and capacity of the road network supporting industrial activity.
Looking ahead, Ashghal will likely provide more specific details regarding diversion routes in the days leading up to the closure. The successful implementation of these diversions and the timely completion of the maintenance work are key to minimizing the impact on commuters and businesses. Motorists should continue to monitor Ashghal’s website and social media channels for the latest updates and information regarding the road situation.
The reopening of Exit 14 is currently scheduled for 7:00 AM on Saturday, December 27th, but this is subject to change depending on the progress of the maintenance work and any unforeseen circumstances. Further announcements will be made if the timeline is adjusted.
