Dubai Constructions Update by Imre Solt: November 2013

RTA awards 528m dirham contract for Improvement of Roads Parallel to Sh. Zayed Rd Project

The project will be linked with Bridges, Tunnels of JLT and Jumeirah Village

Roads & Transport Authority – Mohammed Al Munji:

The Board of Directors of the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), under the chairmanship of H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA, has recently endorsed awarding a contract for the Improvement of Roads Parallel to Sheikh Zayed Road Project. The award is timed with the completion of RTA contracts for improvement of parallel roads at the Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) and Jumeirah Village; which is part of the Improvement of the Parallel Roads Project stretching from the Sheikh Zayed Road in the north up to the outskirts of Abu Dhabi Emirate in the south.

“By awarding this contract, the cost of Phase III of the Parallel Roads Project in the JLT rises to 528 million dirham, considering that the cost of the new works in the project amounts to 78 million dirham. These works include linking the bridges and tunnels completed under Phase III of the Improvement of the Parallel Roads Project with the Sheikh Zayed Road and the Mohammed bin Zayed Road. In the new project, priority has been given to constructing the part linking the current phase with the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, which is expected to be completed by mid of 2014,” said Al Tayer.

“The importance of the new project stems from doubling the capacity of the existing entry & exit points of some development projects in the area such as the Jumeirah Island, Jumeirah Village, JLT, Discovery Garden, Al Furjan and Ibn Battuta Mall. The project will contribute to a radical solution of traffic woes in the area, thanks to the free interchanges ensuring a smooth travel to all parts of Dubai. The oval roundabout in the Discovery Garden will be modified and converted into a signalized junction to step up its capacity and the traffic safety,” he continued.

“The Parallel Roads Project ranks amongst the biggest projects currently undertaken by the RTA and is capable of improving and streamlining the traffic flow in the eastern traffic corridor parallel to the Sheikh Zayed Road, serving the traffic inbound from the Sheikh Zayed Road heading towards the Business Bay district, and linking Al Khail Road with the internal roads of the Business Bay district,” said Al Tayer.

He continued: “The RTA has completed major parts in the construction of this vital project where completion rate of this phase has exceeded 90% and the bridges are set for opening by the end of December this year. Phase III comprises the construction of key bridges ensuring free traffic movement from and to the JLT, and the improvement of key roads network in the area to accommodate the traffic movement in the area and link it with the main roads in the neighbourhood. The project also encompasses the construction of a tunnel linking the Sheikh Zayed Road with the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Rd, besides undertaking construction-related activities such as utilities, pavements, signage, ground markings, lighting, and traffic diversions during construction besides protecting the existing utility lines.

He continued: “The RTA has accomplished various phases of the Project, the last of which was the opening of vital sectors of the Improvement of the Parallel Roads Project at JAFZA South, extending from the northern part of the road leading to Al Houdh R/A up to the 10^th Interchange on the Sheikh Zayed Road. The Project comprises the improvement of the Eastern & Western Parallel Roads in both directions within Jebel Ali Industrial Area, and JAFZA South, through constructing six bridges and four footbridges to ease the pressure on the Sheikh Zayed Rd, and the Industrial Area. It will also establish a link between the investment and economic zones of the Dubai World’s projects, connecting them with the surrounding roads, besides linking Jebel Ali Port with Al Maktoum International Airport, and providing a road leading to the Expo Road of JAFZA. Last May, the RTA opened the service road leading to the Expo Road, and last December it opened a lane linking Al Maktoum Airport with JAFZA South. 12 light signals have been established in the Parallel Roads Project in the Business Bay area; linking Sheikh Zayed Rd, Al Khail Rd and the Business Bay district, and offering a smooth traffic flow in Emaar, Business Bay districts through the Eastern and Western Parallel Roads.

It is worth-mentioning that in September 2011 the RTA opened Phase III of the Parallel Roads Project serving mega urban developments in areas such as Jebel Ali Racecourse, Emirates Hills, Springs, Meadows, Jumeirah Islands and Jumeirah Park. The Road, which extends about 20 km, constitutes 14% of the total Parallel Roads Project, and comprises three to four lanes in each direction as well as 6 bridges and 3 underpasses crossing the eastern and western roads. The RTA had earlier opened Phase I of the Parallel Roads Project including the construction of roads at Al Barsha, and Al Qouz Industrial & Residential Areas extending from Hessa Road to the south up to Meydan Road to the north in a sector extending 15 km in the Eastern Parallel Road and 18 km in the Western Parallel Road, comprising three lanes in each direction. The roads intersect several arterial & express roads such as Umm Suqeim Road, Latifa bint Hamdan Road in addition to arterial & local roads, including 25 signalized junctions.

Captions:

- Mattar Al Tayer

- Layout of Improvement of Parallel Roads at the JLT and Jumeirah Village Project