Saturday, Dec 29, 2012
Dubai: Al Khail Road, the third of the triumvirate of Dubai’s main expressways, will open its gates for traffic in its full capacity on January 4, providing a free flowing alternative to motorists, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced.
The completion of the Dh1.9 billion project will mark the seventh anniversary of the accession of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, as the Ruler of Dubai.
One of the biggest road projects undertaken by RTA, the full opening of Al Khail Road will provide motorists a free-flowing alternative to Shaikh Zayed Road or Emirates Road, which run parallel to each other.
The 15-kilometre stretch that went through improvement and widening in four different phases, connects directly with Business Bay Crossing and offers seamless access to Dubai’s newer neighbourhoods.
“By constructing this p]roject, RTA is seeking to establish an auxiliary traffic corridor supporting both Shaikh Zayed and Emirates roads which account for high traffic volumes,” said Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA. One of the main parts of the project has been the replacement of several roundabouts on the road with multi-level intersections and flyovers, one of which opened in November.
Phase one of the project comprised the construction of a new flyover to replace the circular junction on Emirates Road. It also included the construction of two elevated ramps, the first one linking the traffic on Emirates Road outbound to Al Khail Road, and the other linking the traffic on Al Khail Road outbound to Emirates Road.
It also included increasing the number of lanes from four to six on both Emirates Road and Al Khail Road.
Phase two of the project comprises the construction of two new flyovers on Al Khail Road replacing the existing two roundabouts at the intersection of Al Khail Road with Latifa Bint Hamdan Road, and Arabian Ranches Road at Al Quoz Residential and Industrial Areas.
Phase three of the project covers the widening of Al Khail Road from four to six lanes in each direction in a sector extending between the junction with Umm Suqeim Road to the junction with the Emirates Road as well as modification of all curves at the existing junction of Al Khail Road with Hissa Road (Junction 13).
Phase four of the project comprises the replacement of the existing roundabout at the intersection of Al Khail Road with Umm Suqeim Road by a multi-level flyover to provide smooth vehicular movement in all directions.
Motorists on Saturday hailed the completion of the road project as it will mean smooth movement of traffic.
“I use Al Khail road via Business Bay crossing usually on my way and back from work and I think the completion of road work will help save a lot of time for me and others,” said Syed Hussain, who is a marketing professional.
Another motorist, Daniel Jacobson, said that Al Khail Road in full capacity will reduce traffic on Shaikh Zayed and Emirates roads as well.
By Shafaat Shahbandari Staff Reporter
Gulf News 2012. All rights reserved.
