New bridges connecting with Sheikh Zayed Rd

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded Dh482 million contract for improving Umm Al Shaif Street and Latifa bint Hamdan Street project.

The project extends from Al Safa Interchange (second IC) up to Al Manara Interchange on the Sheikh Zayed Road (third IC). It costs about Dh482m and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2018.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman and Executive Directors of RTA, said: “The new project is a part of a major project to upgrade Al Wasl and Jumeirah Streets, as well as RTA’s master plan for upgrading the network of roads, bridges, crossings and tunnels to accommodate the growing traffic movement and improve mobility throughout Dubai. The project is also included in the strategic plan of RTA calling for upgrading the infrastructure of roads network and mass transit systems in Dubai. The plan aims to develop integrated solutions of roads as well as land and marine transport networks that are safe for users, compatible with the comprehensive development plans, addressing the needs of demographic expansion, and contributing to sustainable development and investment in the emirate.”

“The project covers linking Jumeirah Street with Al Khail Road and parallel roads (Al Asayel, First Al Khail Road) through constructing two-level bridges and roads providing smooth and free traffic movement from Umm Al Shaif Street in the direction of Sheikh Zayed Road up to Latifa bint Hamdan Street, and from Al Zomorrud Street to the East up to the Sheikh Zayed Road. The new bridges will be constructed up and down the Red Line of the Dubai Metro without affecting the operation of the metro. The two bridges will be linked with the Sheikh Zayed Road through ramps enabling free exit points.

“The project comprises the construction of a flyover on Latifa bint Hamdan Street intersecting the First Al Khail Road, a signalized at-grade junction underneath the bridge, and the improvement of the intersection of Umm Al Sheef Street with Al Wasl Street. The project also includes the construction of key surface roads, improvement of service roads, and landscaping works all along the Sheikh Zayed Road in the sector from Al Safa Interchange to Al Manara Interchange as well as at Umm Al Sheef Street, Latifa bint Hamdan Street and Al Zomorrud Street,” he said.

“The number of lanes in the diversion will also correspond to the same number of the existing lanes in order to avoid any negative impact on traffic volumes and accordingly extra congestions or delays in construction works. The contractor’s work area will be entirely separated by a high barrier to reduce the disturbance of road users to the minimum,” explained Al Tayer.

"Previously, I was never even asked to show my card. If I was, I would confidently show my gold card. They just needed to see it. Now, they scan the card.

The violator will be caught if an inspector enters the same compartment, asking for proof of payment. With a scanning machine it will immediately be clear that the commuter did not pay up.

It is difficult to ignore the threat of a Dh100 fine.

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