Dubai: A series of projects and transportation systems, costing Dh191 million, aiming to improve Al Awir Road and entrances to International City was announced by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) on Saturday.
The projects were endorsed by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, after a recent visit to the RTA office.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA said: “This project is undertaken in collaboration with Nakheel Company, the main developer of the International City. This project is in the light of findings of the Traffic Impacts Study of the International City and the Dragon Mart area, especially after the opening of the Dragon Mart extension, and the anticipated snarls in the area.
“Currently there is a single main entrance shared by residents of the International City and visitors of the Dragon Mart, which often results in tailbacks during the morning and evening peak times. Over the past years, RTA provided an additional signalised entry/exit point at Al Manama Road that has eased the traffic flow at the Main Entrance off Al Awir Road. This improvement project, which covers Al Awir Road, Nouakchott Road, and the International City at Al Warsan in Dubai, would enhance the intake of roads network, and ease the flow of traffic within the International City,” confirmed Al Tayer.
The project includes improving Al Awir Road in a sector extending from the intersection of the Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road up to the roundabout of the International City. A two-lane flyover will be constructed at the juncture of Nouakchott and Al Awir Roads to ensure a free traffic movement for the traffic inbound from Nouakchott Road and outbound to Al Awir Road westward (in the direction of Dubai city). It will also provide a turning point for motorists coming from Al Awir Road heading to the Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road. The project also includes the construction of a service road in both directions of Al Awir Road to ensure a smooth traffic movement running separately from the International City, Dragon Mart and Al Warqa’a District.
“The project works comprise the construction of a pedestrian and cycling bridge to ease the mobility between Al Warqa’a & the International City, and offer access to the Business District such as the Dragon Mart and the Fruits & Vegetables Market,” Al Tayer said, adding that the existing main four roundabouts in the International City (Street 414) would be transformed into signalised junctions, and the existing lane would be widened by adding one or two lanes in certain sectors.
“The project also encompasses widening of Nouakchott Road in both directions from one to two lanes, including modifications of junctions along Nouakchott Road. A signalised junction would be added to provide a perfect access to the International City, besides transforming the existing Treatment Plant rounabout into a junction including providing a turn to the Treatment Plant,” concluded Al Tayer.
