Dubai: Work on Al Khail Road Improvement Project is nearing completion to ensure smooth traffic flow on the highway linking important new and old residential and commercial areas in Dubai.
Al Khail Road is one of the key roads parallel to Shaikh Zayed Road and Emirates Road. It starts from Bu Kadrah Interchange (Interchange of Oud Metha-Al Khor Roads) and ends at Emirates Road near Jebel Ali.
Its importance is underscored by the fact that it represents an expansion of the Business Bay Crossing, providing a vital link to different parts of the city. It consists of four lanes in each direction and four roundabouts. The project includes expansion of the road from the existing four to six lanes in each direction and replacing the roundabouts with free-flow interchanges.
"The project is part of the RTA's Strategic Plan till 2015, which partially focuses on developing the road networks in Dubai," Roudha Mohammad Al Mehrizi, a spokesperson of theDubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), told Gulf News.
Scale
She said the project is among the biggest currently being undertaken by the RTA. Work on the first phase started in May 2008. According to a senior RTA official, slight amendments have been made to the project to suit the changing development trends along the road.
Through this project, RTA intends to provide road corridors supporting Shaikh Zayed Road and Emirates Road, which witness high traffic volumes.
"The work on the project is being carried out as planned and we hope to finish in 2010/2011 in phases," said Rowdah.
Al Khail is the best alternative route for motorists who do not want to pay Salik toll fee on Shaikh Zayed Road.
In view of the massive volume of the project, RTA split it into six phases. Work is now ongoing on four phases while the other two have not yet been announced.
Some 80 per cent of the work on Phase 1 has been completed. It cost Dh575 million and includes construction of a multi-level interchange at the juncture of Al Khail Road with Emirates Road, in addition to six bridges.
Phase 2 has achieved some 65 per cent completion rate. Its cost is Dh851.962 million and it comprises two multi-level flyovers to replace the two roundabouts at the intersection of Al Khail Road with Road 319 and Road 323 at Al Quoz Residential and Industrial Areas. These two multi-level full clover leaf interchanges will ensure smooth traffic flow.
Some 85 per cent of work has been completed on Phase 3, which costs Dh423.22 million. It includes construction of a road extending after the intersection of Umm Suqeim Road with Emirates Road and covers widening of the existing road.
Phase 4 has achieved 45 per cent completion rate and work is fast progressing to finish it by 2011. Its cost is Dh307.36 million.
Work under this phase includes replacing the existing roundabout at the intersection with Umm Suqeim Road by a free multi-level road.
It also covers widening of Al Khail Road from four to six lanes. The new intersection will provide easy access and better traffic flow in neighbourhoods such as Al Barsha South, Al Quoz Industrial area and others.
Project
- Development: Al Khail Road Improvement Project
- Developer: Dubai Roads and Transport Authority
- Overall cost: Dh2 billion (approximately)
- Estimated completion date: 2010/2011 (in phases)
