No traffic diversions at Shindagha tunnel: RTA
dubai — The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has assured commuters that there will be no traffic diversions along Shindagha tunnel as construction of the Shindagha Bridge Project begins.
The Dh394-million Shindagha Bridge Project, which features an iconic design based on the concept of the infinity sign, was launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in May this year. The bridge is being constructed away from the tunnel and closer to the sea.
The Shindagha Bridge is part of the Dh5.035-billion Shindagha Corridor Project extending 13km along Sheikh Rashid Street as well as Al Mina, Al Khaleej and Cairo Streets.
The first two phases of the Shindagha Corridor Project have been completed. In 2016, the RTA launched the initial phase of the Shindagha Network, which was marked by the opening of the Improvement of the Sheikh Rashid Street-Oud Metha Street Junction (Wafi Junction). In 2017, the Tunnel underwent maintenance works including drilling tests for the outer wall of the Tunnel.
In May this year, the RTA opened Phase II of the Project involving the opening of Sheikh Rashid Street-Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street Junction; which in- cluded the construction of two bridges on the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street comprising two lanes in each direction.
It also included the construction of a one-lane bridge from Zaabeel Street in the direction of Sheikh Rashid Street, and a tunnel on Sheikh Rashid Street in the direction of Al Mankhoul Junction comprising four lanes in each direction. Construction works also included a signalised junction underneath the bridge that facilitates a free turn from main roads to subsidiary roads.
Phase III of the project includes the construction of the Al Shindagha Bridge, whose iconic architectural design will make it a unique landmark.
Works in this phase include the construction of the Corniche Street on Al Khaleej Street, improvements of the Falcon Junction and entry/ exit points for Rashid Port. The total length of the bridge is 8.5km. The tunnels span 535 metres while surface roads extend 8km. The project, which involves the construction of 10 surface junctions, will be completed in 2022.
Phase IV of the project covers the construction of the extension of Shindagha Bridge. It includes the improvement of Al Khaleej Street along with its intersection with Abu Hail Street, and the improvement of the intersection of Sheikh Rashid Street with Jumeirah Street, Al Mina Street and Al Mankhoul Street.
These works require the construction of bridges stretching 3.4km, tunnels running 2.25km, seven surface junctions, and roads extending 5.1km. This phase is expected to be completed by 2025. Phase V, which covers the construction of Deira Southern Island, with bridges spanning 1.5km, is expected to be completed by 2027.