Dubai: Work on the Dh802 million Phase 3 of the Dubai Canal project begins as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) steps up efforts to extend the Creek.
Phases one and two of the Dh1.76 billion project, that involves building three bridges apart from developing the canal, are already in progress simultaneously.
The Dh580 million Phase 1, contracted to Turkish firms Mapa and Gunal, includes construction of a 16-lane flyover on Shaikh Zayed Road under which the canal will flow, began early this year.
Currently, work on tracking and diversion of utility lines of water, electricity, sewage and telecom is under way, following which traffic on Shaikh Zayed Road will be diverted to make way for the construction of the flyover.
The Dh384 million phase 2, being undertaken by China State Corporation, involves construction of six-lane bridges on Al Wasl and Jumeirah roads.
The prestigious development, which was launched by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in October 2013, will see the extension of Dubai Creek by 3 kilometres, turning Bur Dubai into an island ringed by the Creek on three sides and the Arabian Sea on the fourth.
Phase 3 of Dubai Canal will comprise digging the canal linking the Creek with the Arabian Gulf extending from Shaikh Zayed Road, passing across Al Safa Park and Jumeirah 2 and terminating at the Arabian Gulf near the southern end of Jumeirah Beach Park.
The contract of the phase 3 has been awarded to Belhasa Six Construct Co, which, along with phases one and two, are scheduled to be ready by 2016.
“Phase 3 of the project covers drilling the water canal, constructing the sides of the canal, constructing three footbridges linking the two banks of the canal, and constructing four marine transit stations to boost the role of marine transport as a convenient and effective transit means,” said Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of RTA.
He added that marine transport will play a vital role, particularly after the completion of the construction of a number of islands in the Arabian Gulf such as The World Islands, and Jumeirah 2 Islands.
“Marine transit modes are expected to attract more than six million riders per annum according to the strategic marine transport plan in Dubai. The Canal will also boost the profile of Dubai as a leading destination for sea cruises,” Al Tayer added.
He said that phase 3 also includes filling works to construct an artificial peninsula across the Jumeirah Park; which will double the length of the park beach, increase the area of the park, and offer room for adding more recreational activities.
Shedding light on various phases of the project, he said: “Construction works of the Dubai Canal have been split into three contracts; the first comprises the construction of a bridge of eight lanes in each direction on Shaikh Zayed Road above the course of the Canal.”
Work on the project started early this year, which has seen traffic diversions in Al Wasl area, allowing for the shifting of utility lines underneath the construction area.
Further diversions are planned on Shaikh Zayed Road to allow for the construction of the 16-lane bridge.
About a 800-metre-long sector of Shaikh Zayed Road will be impacted by construction, where traffic diversions will begin from October.
Al Tayer said that work on phase 2 began in May, which will include constructing bridges on Al Wasl and Jumeirah Roads across the canal allowing the passage of yachts up to 8.5 metres high.
It also includes the construction of a free multi-tier interchange to link the traffic movement between Al Wasl, Al Hadiqa and Al Athar roads to ensure smooth traffic flow after the completion of the project to replace the existing traffic lights
The contract also includes construction of bridges linking with the proposed peninsula to the south of the Jumeirah Park, shifting utility lines via conduits passing beneath the canal, and providing spare ducts for services under the canal to meet anticipated future needs.
