As part of its mega road network projects to ease the current and future projected traffic flow, Abu Dhabi government has begun work on a new 280 metre-long tunnel that will link Abu Dhabi International Airport with Mussafah.

According to the project manager, Engineer Ahmed Al Qasabi, the tunnel will be completed a year from now. The tunnel is being constructed for one-way traffic from the airport to Mussafah, bypassing the Abu Dhabi Bridges Interchange that links Abu Dhabi city, the airport, Mussafah and Al Ain.

"The ramp from Al Ain and Mafraq Bridge towards Mussafah and Abu Dhabi city is closed to traffic due to construction work. Traffic from Al Ain and Mafraq Bridge has been diverted via Mussafah from New Mahawi Interchange," Al Qasabi said.

Traffic flow from Abu Dhabi city and Mussafah towards the airport and Al Ain will remain unaffected. The tunnel has also been planned to avoid traffic complications at the Abu Dhabi Bridges Interchange.

The Abu Dhabi Traffic and Licensing Department yesterday advised motorists using Abu Dhabi-Al Ain Highway via the construction site to be more cautious, follow signs and stick to speed limits.

"Though the route is open to traffic flowing from Abu Dhabi city to Al Ain, drivers have to be extremely cautious due to heavy construction work. All motorists approaching the Al Ain and Mafraq Bridge towards Abu Dhabi have to be extra careful and follow the diversion signs," said an official from the Traffic Department.

The official said the ramp from Al Ain and Mafraq Bridge towards Abu Dhabi will be reopened after the tunnel is complete in a year's time.

The construction of the tunnel is part of the Abu Dhabi's National Consultative Council proposed infrastructure projects for the next 20 years to change the city's status into a "greater city".