Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), revealed that completion rate in Phase I of the Dubai Water Canal project had hit 40%. Works under Phase I include the construction of a bridge on the Sheikh Zayed Road comprising 8 lanes in each direction. Al Tayer also reported that completion rate in Phase II, which includes constructing bridges on Al Wasl and Jumeirah Roads, had reached 25%. The completion rate of Phase III that includes constructing a 3 km-long canal connecting the Business Bay Canal with the Arabian Gulf, had hit 15%.
"The Contractor of Phase I of the Project started construction works in the Northern Bridge on the Sheikh Zayed Road in the direction of Dubai, nearby the Red Line of Dubai Metro. 50% of excavation works and casting of concrete piles have been completed, and the Northern Bridge is expected to open in the fourth quarter of this year. The construction of the bridge in the direction from Dubai to Abu Dhabi would follow. The company also embarked on constructing service roads in the Business Bay area after shifting the existing utility lines in situ," explained Al Tayer.
"Phase I of the project comprises constructing a bridge on the Sheikh Zayed Road crossing over the Canal waterway in such a way allowing free navigation around the clock. Impacted roads would be rerouted to ensure a smooth traffic flow between the two shores of the new Canal. The impacted part of Sheikh Zayed Road is about 800 meters long. The project also includes shifting the existing utility lines impacted by the Canal course, in addition to the lighting and water fountains works on the bridge," stated Al Tayer Phase II "Work is progressing according to the plan in Phase II of the project, which includes the construction of bridges on Al Wasl and Jumeirah Roads, with a completion rate of more than 25%. The contractor is currently constructing bridges on Al Wasl Road, where drilling works and casting of concrete piles & columns had been completed. The company also started preparatory works of Phase II of the traffic diversion. In Jumeirah Road, excavation works are underway to protect the utility lines in preparation for constructing the traffic diversion," RTA Chairman of the Board and Executive Director added.
"Phase II includes the construction of bridges on Al Wasl and Jumeirah Roads over the Dubai Water Canal at a height of 8.5 meters allowing yachts to pass underneath. It also includes the construction of a fully-fledged multi-tier flyover to link the traffic between Al Wasl, Al Athar and Al Hadeeqa Roads in order to ensure full traffic flow upon the completion of the project instead of the existing traffic signals. Works also include constructing bridges extending to the proposed peninsula at the southern part of the Jumeirah Park. The contract also includes shifting the utility lines via conduits passing underneath the Canal, in addition to laying spare conduits underneath the Canal to cater to anticipated future requirements," added Al Tayer.
Al Tayer, extended his sincere thanks to residents and road users in areas impacted by traffic diversion works, for their cooperation with both the RTA and project contractors, which had a significant impact on expediting construction works. "The Dubai Water Canal, a modern, unique, commercial and tourist destination project, would add further glamour to Dubai city and off a new lifestyle experience in the heart of it and at both banks of the Canal," he said.
Phase III "Completion rate in Phase III has so far exceeded 15%. Work is currently underway to complete the protection of utility lines and the shifting of sewage lines on both sides of the Canal, besides constructing sewage pumping station and coastal works for the breakwater. Earlier this year, the RTA has reopened the running track of Al Safa Park, which had been impacted by construction works; a step that reflects RTA 's keenness to bring happiness to the people by providing facilities for jogging or walking," said Al Tayer.
It should be noted that phase III of the Dubai Water Canal Project includes digging the Water Canal, building the Canal sides and constructing 3 pedestrian bridges linking the two sides of the Canal. It also includes constructing 4 marine transit stations to enable marine transit modes offer convenient and effective water-transport, especially after the completion of several of islands in the Arabian Gulf, such as The World and Jumeirah 2. The marine transit modes are expected to lift more than 6 million passengers annually according to the master plan of marine transport in Dubai. The Canal will also enhance Dubai's image as a leading city in attracting leisure marine tours. Phase III also includes filling works to build a man-made peninsula along the Jumeirah Park, which will double the beach line of the Park, increase the park area, and allow for more leisure activities.
Master Plan as the RTA is keen to ensure the safety of road users, it has developed a plan for traffic diversions to ensure a smooth traffic flow. The traffic movement has been diverted on both directions of the Sheikh Zayed Road as well as Al Wasl Road. The engineering design of the temporary traffic diversion conformed to the specifications of the permanent road in terms of engineering design, surface & asphalt levelling, and the provision of adequate lighting in accordance with the design speed of the road to ensure users' safety. The same number of previous lanes in traffic diversion was maintained in order to ensure smooth traffic flow, and avoid adverse impacts on the intake of traffic volumes resulting in traffic jams. Contractor's work areas have been fully separated by high barriers to minimise the inconvenience to road users and residents in adjacent areas.
The RTA has also communicated with all inhabitants of areas impacted by project works and provided them with diversion layouts along with the contractor's phone numbers. Notices were placed in public places, published in newspapers and social media sites to inform the public about alternative roads.
Source: WAM