Avecon Co receives RTA's Dh1bn Meydan contract

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded a contract to Avecon Co for constructing crossings and roads leading to Meydan project in Dubai. The project spans Muscat Road, Dubai-Al Ain Road, Ras Al Khor Road and extension of Al Manama Road at a cost of more than Dh1 billion.

The Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of RTA, Mattar Al Tayer said Meydan project includes a suggested canal passing across Muscat, Dubai-Al Ain, Ras Al Khor and Al Manama roads. So roads, crossings and elevated interchanges have to be constructed to allow for smooth traffic flow in these areas that will witness huge property and investment development.

Al Tayer said: "The project, which has been awarded to Avecon Co, comprises several phases. The first of which covers construction of crossings extending 2025 metres at a cost of more than Dh1bn. This includes two crossings to allow entry and exit from Meydan project extending 710 metres, and another crossing for VIPs linking Muscat Road with Dubai-Al Ain Road, extending 1,315 metres."

Al Tayer said: "Phase II of the project, which will be put out to tender in the near future, covers construction of crossings extending 2,860 metres. This includes a 440 metres crossing to elevate a section of Dubai-Al Ain Road to allow for the passage of a four-kilometre canal. It also includes a crossing at Al Khor Road as well as inbound and outbound roads to Meydan City extending 2,110 metres. A direct lane branching out of Dubai-Al Ain road towards Ras Al Khor Road extending 310 metres will also be constructed. The project also includes distinctive landscaping of all main roads engulfing the project in a way that fits with the nature of the project.'

"The project of roads leading to Meydan is one of the key projects undertaken by the RTA. Its importance stems from the iconic Meydan project; which includes the biggest racecourse in the world. The project spans an area of 76 million square feet and includes a hotel, golf courses, shopping and entertainment centres, modern stables, Godolphin racing gallery, waterways, parking for approximately 10,000 cars, and a four-km canal running from Dubai Creek to the racecourse," he said.

The project is scheduled for opening in 2010 to host Dubai World Cup, the prize money of which will then jump from the existing $6m to $10m. After the end of the racing season, Meydan's facilities will be used to hold conferences, corporate meetings and serve as a tourist destination.