Expo 2020 works get Dh1.3B boost
dubai — Speeding up road development works, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded two contracts worth Dh1.3billion for phases three and four of the Expo 2020 transport project under the directive of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The two phases of the project cover construction of 5km long bridges and 17km new roads, which are intended to serve Expo 2020 visitors as well as future projects in the area. It includes improvement of two intersections of Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street with both Jebel Ali Lehbab Street and Al Yalayes Street in addition to the construction of two flyovers at the Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street near the Dubai Investment Park. The Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street will be widened from two to five lanes in each direction.
Mattar Al Tayer, director general and chairman of the board of executive directors of the RTA, said: “The improvement of roads network leading to Expo is one of the biggest road projects currently undertaken by the RTA to meet the needs of hosting Expo 2020 in Dubai. Due to the immense nature of the project, it had been divided into six phases to ensure the delivery of all works on the prescribed timeline, well before the opening of Expo.”
Projects in detail
Phase 3 involves upgrading of Sheikh Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street along with service roads which will see five new bridges, and four turns, in addition to the flyover. It also includes the construction of ramps to ensure a smooth flow of traffic from Jebel Ali-Lehbab Street in the north to Sheikh Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street in the direction of Dubai-Al Ain Street. The Sheikh Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street will also be widened from two to five lanes in the direction of Al Maktoum International Airport
“These ramps will ensure entry to Expo from Jebel Ali-Lehbab Street to the south, and exit from Expo through Sheikh Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street to Jebel Ali-Lehbab Street to the north. They also provide an exit from Expo through a turn on the flyover along the extension of Sheikh Zayed Bn Hamdan Al Nahyan Street in the direction of the junction.
The number of lanes of Jebel Ali-Lehab Street will be increases from four to six lanes in each direction over a 4km stretch. Phase 3 project will see construction of 3km long bridge and 6.5km road.
The Phase 4 encompasses the improvement of three junctions and the widening of Sheikh Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street from two to five lanes in each direction over a 4.6km stretch. The intersection of Sheikh Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street with
Al Yalayes Street will be transformed into a flyover.
“The work involves adding four bridges to the Sheikh Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street and service roads along with two turns. It also includes the construction of direct ramps from Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street westward to Al Yalayes Street northward in the direction of Sheikh Zayed Road; and Sheikh Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street eastward to Al Yalayes Street southward in the direction of Emirates Road,” said Al Tayer.
The second and third junctions will be improved through the construction of two bridges of two lanes in each direction on Sheikh Zayed Bin Hamdan Al
Nahyan Street with signalised junctions for the traffic serving Dubai Investment Park complex.
In total, the Phase 4 will witness the construction of bridges spanning 2km and roads extending 10.3km in total.
The RTA has developed a master plan to meet the requisites of Dubai’s hosting Expo 2020 aimed at ensuring safe and smooth mobility for visitors to Expo and events. The projects that are currently underway include Route 2020 for extending the Red Line of Dubai Metro as well as public transport routes and means including buses and taxis.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com
Due to the immense nature of the project, it had been divided into six phases to ensure the delivery of all works on the prescribed timeline, well before the opening of Dubai Expo 2020.” Mattar Al Tayer, director general, RTA