Doha, Qatar – The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has announced temporary road closures in the Al Markhiya and Izghawa areas of Doha to facilitate essential maintenance work. The closures, scheduled for January 2026, are expected to impact traffic flow and require commuters to plan alternative routes. Understanding these road closures is crucial for residents and visitors to avoid delays during the specified periods.
The first closure will affect Al Markhiya Street, completely shutting down traffic from the Lekhwair Intersection towards the Qatar National Library Interchange. This is scheduled to occur between 2:00 AM and 10:00 AM on Friday, January 9, 2026, and again from 2:00 AM to 7:00 AM on Saturday, January 10, 2026. Ashghal urges motorists to observe speed limits and utilize designated detours.
Impact of Al Markhiya Street Road Closures
The Al Markhiya Street closures are directly related to ongoing maintenance aimed at preserving the city’s infrastructure. According to Ashghal, these actions are necessary to improve the overall quality and longevity of the roadway. Commuters regularly using this route to reach the Qatar National Library are strongly advised to find alternate pathways during the specified hours.
Additionally, a longer-term closure is planned for the intersection of Izghawa Street and Wadi Al Mashrab Street. This disruption will begin at midnight on Monday, January 12, 2026, and continue until the end of Sunday, January 25, 2026 – spanning a two-week period.
Izghawa Street Closure Details
While the Izghawa Street intersection will largely be closed, right turns will be permitted from the main signal. This limited access is intended to minimize, but not eliminate, disruption to local traffic. The closure stems from work on the Roads & Infrastructure project in Al Kharaitiyat & Izghawa – Package 2, a significant undertaking to enhance transportation networks in these expanding areas.
These infrastructure projects are part of Qatar’s broader strategy to modernize its urban landscape and prepare for increased capacity, particularly as the nation continues to host international events and welcomes growing numbers of visitors. Investments in traffic management and roadway improvements are a key component of this plan.
However, the temporary inconveniences caused by these road works must be considered. Ashghal recommends utilizing nearby streets as detours, and encourages drivers to monitor Ashghal’s website for detailed maps and real-time updates regarding the closures.
The planned closures come as Qatar experiences ongoing development and an increasing population. This necessitates regular maintenance and upgrades to existing road infrastructure to prevent future issues and ensure smooth traffic flow. Optimizing road network performance is a continually evolving process, as highlighted by these proactive measures.
Ultimately, the goal of these interventions is not simply repair, but to enhance the long-term sustainability and efficiency of Doha’s vital transportation arteries. It’s anticipated that the work completed during these periods will contribute to a safer and more reliable experience for all commuters.
Following the completion of the Izghawa Street work on January 25th, Ashghal will likely assess the impact of the closure and begin making any necessary adjustments to the surrounding traffic signals or road configurations. The precise timing of the reopening of Al Markhiya Street after the weekend closures will also depend on the progress of the maintenance, and drivers should continue to check for updates from Ashghal. Further road closures related to Package 2 of the Al Kharaitiyat & Izghawa infrastructure project are possible in the coming months, and drivers should remain vigilant for announcements.
