Dubai Canal project at halfway stage

DUBAI // The completion rate of phase one of the Dubai Water Canal project has hit 40 per cent, according to the Roads and Transport Authority.

“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,” said Mattar Al Tayer, chairman of the board and executive director of the RTA. “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.”

Mr Al Tayer also reported that completion rate in phase two, which includes building bridges on Al Wasl and Jumeirah Roads, had reached 25 per cent.

The contractor company has also started preparatory works of phase two of the traffic diversion.

“In Jumeirah Road, excavation works are underway to protect the utility lines in preparation for constructing the traffic diversion,” Mr Al Tayer said. “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.”

The completion rate of phase three, which includes constructing a 3 km-long canal connecting the Business Bay Canal with the Arabian Gulf, had hit 15 per cent.

Mr Al Tayer thanked residents and road users in areas impacted by traffic diversion works, for their cooperation with both the RTA and project contractors.