The project, which costs Dh758m, includes elevating Sheikh Zayed Rd above a Water Canal
Roads & Transport Authority - Mohammed Al-Munji: In a session chaired by H.E. Matar Al-Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), the Board of Directors of the RTA endorsed awarding a contract of Roads & Bridges Network - Phase I - of Business Bay Canal Extension Project. The project comprises three phases, which will be designed and implemented by the RTA in order to complete the final stage of the Business Bay Canal. The Canal extends from Sheikh Zayed Road, near Emirates Airlines building, and passes through Safa Park & Jumeirah 2, and terminates at the Arabian Gulf near the southern part of Jumeirah Beach Park.
"The cost of Phase I of the Project, which is being awarded to the Korean Sungwon Co. at a cost of Dh758 million, includes elevating Sheikh Zayed Road above the course of the water canal to ensure free marine navigation. The paths of affected roads will also be amended to ensure integrated traffic flow between the two banks of the new canal. The length of the affected sector of Sheikh Zayed Road is 800 meters. The project also involves diverting the existing utility lines & lighting works impacted by the course of the canal. Work in Phase II and III of the project is set to start next year.
"Business Bay Extension Project, which is one of the important projects undertaken by the RTA, involves extending the water canal coming from the Business Bay to the Arabian Gulf. The Canal, which extends 2.2 km with a width not less than 100 meters, is set to cross Sheikh Zayed Road (prior to Safa Interchange) and pass across Safa Park, Al-Wasl Road, Jumeirah 2, and Jumeirah Road before terminating at the Arabian Gulf.
"Considering the immense nature of the Project and in order to step up completion rate, works have been split into three contracts such that the whole project will be delivered by 2010. The project requires construction of bridges rising 8.5 meters above the water canal at key roads intersecting the canal. These include Sheikh Zayed Road (6 lanes in each direction) in addition to Al-Wasl Road & Jumeirah Road (both 3 lanes in each direction). These bridges will ensure free marine navigation across the canal 24 hours a day. Marine transport stations will be placed across the route of the canal in order to facilitate public mobility and encourage tourism.
"RTA will introduce several improvements to the network of roads intersecting this canal. Some improvements will also be made in surrounding areas such as Jumeirah and Safa, including construction of service roads at both sides of the Canal to ease mobility between those areas. Moreover, free & safe pedestrian mobility will be addressed through constructing 4 footbridges above the water canal, in addition to footpaths in all new bridges above the Canal. There will also be purpose-built tracks to enable practicing light sports such as jogging & cycling along both sides of the Canal. The Project also covers landscaping of both sides of the Canal, including greenery, seating places and public rest areas. RTA will also increase the number of parking lots around Safa Park to serve the visitors of the Park, as part of a project to improve the whole area.
-Ends-
© Press Release 2008
