(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) DoT has extensively studied the traffic requirements of the area to ensure the project increases the road capacity eases congestion whilst providing easy access to and from the mall.
Heavy traffic on Al Falah Street in Abu Dhabi. — KT file photo
Abu Dhabi — The Department of Transport (DoT) is using its first-of-its-kind architectural solution in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region to improve traffic flow and solve the congestion problems across the capital.
According to DoT it was in line with the department strategy to upgrade the city’s overall transport infrastructure.
In the first phase the department succeeded in easing traffic congestion in the busy Dalma Mall area in the Musaffah Industrial Area that was known for its terrible gridlock. Opened to traffic on May 15 the Dalma Mall improvement project used the Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) concept an innovative approach in transport design solutions.
According to the department this is the first implementation of a DDI concept in the Mena region. Moreover the DoT has extensively studied the traffic requirements of the area to ensure the project increases the road capacity eases congestion whilst providing easy access to and from the mall and its neighbouring areas.
The DDI took advantage of the existing structure by widening and retrofitting it to allow the interchange to use the existing bridge.
“We are happy with the success of this project and the outstanding results of this innovative concept. By altering the configuration of the existing roundabouts and the ramps leading to it the road capacity has almost doubled congestion has decreased and safety has been enhanced without mentioning saving money effort and time” said Faisal Ahmed Al Suwaidi DoT General Director of Main Roads.
“The Dalma Mall improvement project was completed in five months and traffic congestion in the area has been greatly reduced resulting in smooth flow of traffic” said Al Suwaidi.
The area sees heavy traffic coming from different directions heading towards industrial and commercial areas. It is known to always remain choked with traffic causing delays for commuters many of whom are delayed for work due to the jams.
“Because of heavy traffic particularly at this junction we had to leave home as early as 5am to avoid getting late for work. The expansion of the road and traffic flow improvement is a big relief for us” said Mohammed Ali Hassan.
Another motorist Irfan Ahmed who lives in Abu Dhabi and works in Musaffah was also happy with the improvement in traffic flow in the area saying it saves a lot of time. He said: “When we leave the city for Musaffah the traffic flow is smooth ... but when we reach the mall area we face trouble as we get stuck in traffic jams. But this improvement is a big relief.” -nissarkhaleejtimes.com