Abu Dhabi to build Dh5.43 billion Shahama-Saadiyat highway

Abu Dhabi: The under-construction, 10-lane Shahama-Saadiyat highway project, proposed to link Shahama-Dubai-Abu Dhabi road to Abu Dhabi city, will cost an estimated Dh5.43 billion to build and is scheduled for completion in August 2009, a senior executive close to the developments told Gulf News on Monday.

"Tourism Development and Investment Company will bear Dh3.6 billion of the total cost and Aldar Properties Dh1.83 billion," said the executive, who didn't want to be identified.

“The cost for TDIC is higher because they will be building a 1.3 kilometre-long bridge which would connect Saadiyat to Mina Zayed."

Earlier on Monday, Urban Planning Council (UPC) general manager Falah Al Ahbabi told a news conference that the total length of the Shahama-Saadiyat expressway will be about 27 kilometres. The physical construction of the highway started in March 2007, he added.

"It is a central element of our mandate to ensure that the Abu Dhabi Plan 2030 is delivered in a structured in a coordinated way," Al Ahbabi said.

He said the metropolitan population of the emirate is projected to rise to 3 million by 2030 from 930,000 at present, and urban planning is poised to play a major role in its future growth.

He said UPC is committed to working alongside partners from the public and private sectors to ensure the highest quality in delivering this comprehensive plan, which will position Abu Dhabi as one of the leading cities in the world.

Al Ahbabi said UPC is working in conjunction with Aldar Properties PJSC, TDIC, as well as the Department of Transport, for building the Shahama-Saadiyat highway. The project is being supervised by Aldar and TDIC.

A joint statement from the bodies involved in the highway project said Six Construct Company and Taisei Corporation will be leading the construction work.

Design for the 10-lane highway, and an incorporated bridge, was by Halcrow International, it added.

Separately, Faisal Ahmad Al Suwaidi, executive director, Department of Transport, Abu Dhabi, said the department is currently preparing a Surface Transport Master Plan to provide a blueprint for all modes of transport in the context of UPC Plan 2030.

"We are exploring all possible public transport options in our Surface Transport Master Plan, including metro, light rail, buses. The 12-month study will commence in December 2007 and upon completion, would provide a clear roadmap to our transport needs, all the way to 2030," said Al Suwaidi.

He said the design of Shahama-Saadiyat highway makes provision for future mass transit options in the central median.

"Working closely with the private sector from the start has resulted in a streamlined and efficient project. We expect to see similar public-private partnerships in the future," Al Suwaidi added.