Spanish consultant company Sener confirms that work on the capital's new transport system will be beginning shortly
Plans for a tram route in Abu Dhabi, which will help transform the UAE's transport system, are taking shape.
Spanish consultant company Sener, which is working on the new tram line, told 7DAYS that work on phase one will begin soon in the north of the city, with a 30km route linking to the city centre.
The tram system, which will run on two lines covering 300km, will also link downtown Abu Dhabi with Al Sowwah Island, where Abu Dhabi's new financial centre will be, and Saadiyat Island, home to the upcoming Louvre, Guggenheim and Zayad National museums. Other sections of the line will link downtown Abu Dhabi to the Capital District, where government offices will be based, and Al Reem Island.
It is not known when work will start on the rail link but an Abu Dhabi Transport Authority spokesman said he had
"very exciting" news about the Abu Dhabi tram system and a new road to connect Abu Dhabi to Dubai. He said an announcement will be made next week.
Sener said it is studying ways to adjust the tram lines to Abu Dhabi's high summer temperatures and ensure sand and dust on the lines do not interfere with its operation. The tram system will also link up to the proposed Abu Dhabi metro lines.
Both systems are expected to be finished by 2017. The Abu Dhabi metro system is also planned to connect to a high-speed rail system between the capital and Dubai Metro.
© 7Days 2012
