Sharjah plans major road expansion

Sharjah: Motorists in Sharjah will soon have smooth-flowing traffic once the two major road projects, including the expansion of the most congested street, Al Arouba, is completed.

The Department of Public Works (DPW) is planning to expand Al Arouba Street, turning it in to a free-flow highway with four lanes on each side.

Al Arouba Street is the main road, passing through the centre of  the city with most commercial  and business activities on both sides.

The project also includes replacing the existing  Sharjah and Al Khalidiya bridges with five-lane bridges as they face massive congestion these days.

The plan was discussed during a meeting organised by DPW with other governmental departments to inquire about their preparations for these projects.

The meeting was attended by representatives of Sharjah’s Electricity and Water Authority, Sharjah Police, as well as WSP Engineering Consultancy group.

The meeting touched upon a number of projects, among them the expansion of Al Arouba Street from Al Marija-Umm Tarafa Bridge to the Al Khalidiya area.

The project  includes the development of the Al Jubail market intersection into a free flowing interchange.

The department is also planning to construct two new five-lane bridges to replace Sharjah and Khalidiya bridges leading to Khalid Lagoon.

Another bridge leading to the Government Department complex in Al Layyah will also be constructed to ensure smooth traffic coming from the Al Mamzar area, as well as another bridge to ensure the free flow of traffic from the Government Departments complex area to Al Arouba Street.

Infrastructure

Yousuf Al Suweiji, Director General of the Directorate of Public Works, said that these works are part of the vision of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and his keenness to develop and improve the emirate’s infrastructure and road network.

The development will start from the bridge between Al Marijah and Umm Turafah, and all the way down to the Al Khalidiyah area near the Al Huda Mosque.

The plan also includes construction to develop the intersection near the government buildings in Al Layyah area to include a bridge that will also enable traffic from Al Mamzar to go by without having to stop.

Another bridge will be built and will allow traffic from near the government buildings to move easily to Al Arouba Street. 

Al Hajri said that the project will contribute to the smooth flow of traffic in the area,  which is one of the liveliest areas in Sharjah.

Tourist attractions

He explained that it is a link between several areas, many of which are tourist attractions, such as the new Al Jubail market, the flag island, the old souq, the Majaz Waterfront and the government departments.

The departments also emphasised that construction will begin once they are done coordinating with other governmental bodies and authorities to ensure that the project is completed on schedule using a well-thought-out plan.

Also, another  project aimed at improving the traffic flow and connecting the centre of the city with ring roads and Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road is on the cards. 

The  project comprises a dual four-lane carriageway extension of King Abdul Aziz Road from Abu Shagara Tunnel to Al Jubail street alongside the New Jubail Market being built on the Creek.