Thu, 23 August 2012

MUSCAT -- The construction of the multi-level interchange at Wadi Adai, featuring a new steel bridge above the existing flyover at the junction, is fast progressing and is expected to be open for public within the project period. Once completed the new network of bridges constructed as per global standards are expected to ease the traffic congestion and smoothen the flow on all sides. The project includes construction of four-way crossroads controlled by traffic signals that will replace the existing roundabout and a new bridge over the existing one from Ruwi side towards Seeb.

In addition to that, there will be another bridge parallel to the existing one to serve those travelling from Ruwi to Wadi Adai. Steel posts will be used to construct the new bridges. Those who are heading to Amerat from Ruwi area will be taken by the bridge over the flyover ensuring that the traffic flow is smooth. "The project is unique in that it has incorporated a steel road bridge -- a structure that will be constructed at specialist steel fabrication facilities in Italy and shipped to Muscat for erection at site", Salvatore Simonetti, CEO of Federici Stirling Batco which, the contractor of the project whose initial cost is estimated at RO 18.6 million, said.

The new bridge will soar above the current Wadi Adai flyover and will go around the hillock located on the other side of the junction and connects with the existing Ruwi-Qurum highway. The Wadi Adai junction serves as the city's principal gateway into the wilayats of Al Amerat and Qurayyat beyond. City-bound traffic originating from the Al Amerat and Qurayyat ends, typically extends for several kilometres during peak hours, underscoring the challenges for the contractor in building the interchange while ensuring that traffic flows are unhindered. "Accordingly, considerable changes are made in the water drainage system and electricity lines, and the mountainous areas near the bridge network were also well prepared for the construction", a senior official at the Muscat Municipality told the Observer.

In all, two kilometres of dual-lane bridge structures and access ramps will be built as part of the Wadi Adai Interchange project, says Simonetti. Special weathering steel, also known as 'Corten Steel', will be used in the fabrication of the girders for the steel bridge. Corten steel represents a group of steel alloys which were developed to obviate the need for painting, and form a stable rust-like appearance if exposed to the weather. Around 3,000 tonnes of Corten steel will be used in the manufacture of the girders at a special facility in Italy, says Simonetti. The girders are shipped to Muscat via Port Sultan Qaboos in around 12 consignments for assembly at site. Italian specialists are also on hand to oversee the construction of a blacktop, consisting of a layer of concrete and asphalt, on top of the steel bridge.

© Oman Daily Observer 2012