The first phase of a road network for the new Meydan development has been approved. At the cost of more than Dh1 billion, it will include two crossings to allow entry and exit from the Meydan project, and another crossing for VIPs linking Muscat Road with the Dubai-Al Ain Road, extending 1,315 metres. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, awarded the construction of the crossings and roads leading to the Meydan project in the area of Nad El-Sheba in Dubai.
The project spans Muscat Road, Dubai-Al Ain Road, Ras Al Khor Road and extension of Al Manama Road at a cost in excess of Dh1 billion. The Meydan project is expected to include a canal passing that will run across Muscat, Dubai-Al Ain, Ras Al Khor and Al Manama roads. Roads, crossings and elevated interchanges have to be constructed to allow for smooth traffic flow in the area according to the chairman of the board and executive director of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), H E Mattar Al-Tayer.
The project was awarded to Avecon Co who will construct the crossings extending 2,025 metres. "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," he said. Phase two of the project has yet to be put out for tender but will cover the construction of crossings extending 2,860 metres. This includes a 440 metre crossing to elevate a section of Dubai-Al Ain Road to allow for the passage of a four-kilometre canal that will run from Dubai Creek to the racecourse.
"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," he added. The Meydan project, which is scheduled for opening in 2010 to host the Dubai World Cup, will include the biggest racecourse in the world on an area of 76 million square feet. The development will also include a hotel, golf courses, shopping and entertainment centres, modern stables, Godolphin racing gallery, waterways, parking for approximately 10,000 cars.
@email:eharnan@thenational.ae
