ADM issues tenders for highway rest areas in collaboration with private sector

ABU DHABI, 19th January, 2014 (WAM) -- The Municipality of Abu Dhabi has launched a tender inviting private sector investors to build and manage the first project that forms part of a strategic network of highway rest areas, using a build-operate-transfer (BOT) model.

The series of highway rest areas are aimed at enhancing amenities and services for road users and improving safety on Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Road by providing safe access, exits, and parking for commuters.

Through this network of new facilities, ADM intends to enhance the travel experience for road users that travel between Abu Dhabi and the Western and Eastern Regions, the Northern Emirates, and Oman. The design concept for the new highway rest areas is based on similar best practice examples adopted on highways in both Europe and North America.

The improved roadside services are also expected to help boost the wider economy by potentially connecting to and complimenting other public transport infrastructure in the Emirate undergoing expansion and development.

The Municipality has developed a master plan that identifies five strategic locations that will benefit from the improved amenities. Phase 1 focuses on Ghantoot, which has an immediate short term need to address road safety for commuters and light trucks in areas where there is a high volume of traffic, but limited services to meet demand. Phase II will focus on rest areas in locations such as Truck Highway E75 that will be tendered at a later date.

The highway rest areas will be delivered using investment and collaboration from the private sector, through a build-operate-transfer (BOT) model that will enable investors to build and manage the facility on behalf of the Municipality.

The new format highway rest areas will be located near major intersections close to the highway and positioned on a plot area of approximately 16,345 sq. m., with a gross floor area of approximately 16,343 sq. m. They will offer enhanced dining and retail services, provide improved parking and traffic control for cars and light trucks to help ease congestion, and make the highways safer for road users.

The Municipality has worked closely with other Government agencies, including the Department of Transport (DOT), to ensure that the proposed highway rest areas comply with traffic safety and security requirements.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2014.