The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Dubai has awarded a contract for constructing the Shaikh Rashid Road - Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Road Interchange Project costing Dh611 million which is set for completion during the last quarter of 2017.

The contract is awarded according to the directives of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai to start construction works in a series of projects and transportation systems endorsed by him during a visit to the RTA. The project concurs with the nearing of construction works in upgrading Wafi Interchange which will be opened by the end of April.

The project

Where: It is situated at the crossing of Shaikh Rashid Road heading northward towards Al Shindagha with Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Road heading towards the junction of Al Kuwait Road and Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Road.

What: A bridge on Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Road a tunnel on Shaikh Rashid Road a bridge stretching from Umm Harir Road in the direction of Shaikh Rashid Road a two-lane bridge on the intersection of Khalifa bin Zayed Road with Al Kuwait Road a signalised junction underneath the bridge

When: The project will be completed by the last quarter of 2017 Mattar Al Tayer Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the RTA said: "The Shaikh Rashid Road - Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Road Interchange is part of a major project for upgrading Al Shindagha roads network. The new project is situated at the crossing of Shaikh Rashid Road heading northward towards Al Shindagha with Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Road heading towards the junction of Al Kuwait Road and Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Road.

The project encompasses the construction of a bridge on the Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Road and a tunnel on the Shaikh Rashid Road as well as a bridge stretching from Umm Harir Road in the direction of Shaikh Rashid Road. The project will result in smooth and free traffic movement from the Trade Centre Roundabout to the intersection of Khalifa bin Zayed Road with Al Kuwait Road where a two-lane bridge will be constructed in each direction. The project also includes the construction of a tunnel on the Shaikh Rashid Road in the direction of the intersection of Shaikh Rashid Road with Al Mankhool Road comprising four lanes in each direction.

It also includes the construction of a signalised junction underneath the bridge while ensuring free traffic movement for turning from main roads to subsidiary roads as well as free traffic movement through a one-lane flyover stretching from Umm Harir Road to Shaikh Rashid Road. Works also include lighting pavements irrigation conduits sewage system and rainwater drainage system in addition to shifting and protecting utility lines such as electricity water and telecommunications.

"The RTA has set out a comprehensive plan for smooth traffic flow at traffic diversions. Accordingly the engineering design of the temporary diversion conforms to the standards of permanent roads specifications in terms of engineering design levelling asphalt and sufficient lighting consistent with the designed speed of the road to ensure the safety of road users. The same number of lanes will be maintained in the diversion to avoid any negative impacts on the normal traffic flow additional snarls or delays during construction works" said Al Tayer.

By the end of April this year the RTA will open the upgrading of Wafi Interchange project; one of the key interchanges in Dubai as it links with a number of key roads namely Shaikh Rashid Road and Oud Metha Road.

This project encompasses the construction of a three-lane bridge from Oud Metha Road (nearby Latifa Hospital) in the direction of Shaikh Rashid Road and from there to the Shaikh Zayed Road and Al Saada Road (flyover leading to the Dubai World Trade Center) extending 700 metres with a capacity to handle around 3300 vehicles per hour.