Abu Dhabi: Regular Abu Dhabi-Dubai commuters are increasingly using Shaikh Khalifa Bridge and the expressway that links Port Zayed and Shahama District on the Dubai-Abu Dhabi highway. By doing so, they can save about 25 to 30 minutes.
According to motorists, the expressway, which passes through Saadiyat and Yas islands, takes them to Shahama within 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi whereas they spend an average of 45 minutes on the 45km old road through the city.
Inaugurated on October 14 this year, the 27km expressway, as a new gateway into Abu Dhabi, offers a 15-minute journey from Abu Dhabi international airport to Saadiyat Island.
It facilitates a five-minute drive from Abu Dhabi to the island, which is expected to have about 160,000 residents by 2018, upon completion of the residential, cultural and tourism projects.
Five lanes running in each direction without traffic signals offer a relaxed drive. About 17 exits, 22 highway bridges and four underpasses ensure that you don't need to slow down.
F1 circuit
It also offers a glimpse of the Formula One circuit and leads to the main interchange and surrounding highway for the Yas Marina Circuit, the venue for inaugural Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
"Nowadays I get half an hour more to spend with my family after the inauguration of Shaikh Khalifa Bridge and expressway", said Dr Arif Usman.
Dr Usman lives in Discovery Gardens in Dubai with his family but works at an Insurance Company in Abu Dhabi.
"It is not only time saving but I am able to escape the most stressful driving [conditions[ in the city," Arif said, referring to the heavy traffic within Abu Dhabi.
For Sanoj Kutty, an internal consultant with an insurance company in Abu Dhabi, the new route gives him the time to enjoy a cup of tea before starting work, after a 75 minute drive.
"I start from Discovery Gardens at 6.15am and reach my office on Hamdan Street in Abu Dhabi by 7.30-7.35am. Earlier, I used to reach [the office between] 8am and 8.05am", Kutty said.
Shais Sameer, 28, an Indian IT administrator in Abu Dhabi said he is able to escape the heavy traffic and inconvenience of detours on construction sites.
"The new expressway is a breather from the traffic chaos in the city", Sameer said.
How to access the expressway
From Dubai
- On the Dubai-Abu Dhabi highway, look for the ‘Yas Island-Saadiyat Island exit' near Shahama.
From Abu Dhabi
-From the Corniche Road, turn right onto 6th Street.
- Turn left onto Electra Street.
- At the roundabout, turn left onto 10th Street.
- Turn right onto Mina Street.
- Take your second right onto 12th street, following the signs to Saadiyat Bridge Project.
- Take this road to the end. Before reaching The Club, you will see ‘Al Saadiyat' sign in green and white.
