Extra diversions in the capital

Another section of Salam Street is to close as part of a major renovation and expansion programme for one of the capital's busiest roads.

ABU DHABI // Another section of Salam Street is to close at midnight tonight as part of a major renovation and expansion programme for one of the capital's busiest roads. Traffic travelling away from the Corniche on either Al Meena or Corniche Road will be diverted onto 10th Street, which has been converted to a one-way street, and then back onto Salam Street via Street No.9. Last month, the road carrying traffic toward the Corniche was closed to the annoyance of many commuters. Traffic came to a standstill as drivers were unaware of the closure. Some jammed side streets as they sought an alternate route.

The alternate route for vehicles heading toward Abu Dhabi Mall or the Meena Port continues to be congested during peak hours and some taxi drivers have refused to carry passengers there. The municipality has removed a traffic signal at the intersection of Salam Street and Street No.9 intersection on Salam Street in an attempt to ease congestion on the partially closed road. The road is to be closed until 2010. Work is being carried out around the clock on the Dh5 billion (US$1.36bn) road project, which will double its capacity to 6,000 vehicles per hour. [e-mail]