Motorists travelling between Dubai and Sharjah can expect smoother traffic after the first phase of a major road development project opened on Wednesday, November 4. Inaugurated by Sharjah Ruler Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the first phase includes the partial opening of Al Taawun Interchange along with several bridges and junctions.

The opening coincides with the start of the Sharjah International Book Fair. A one-way route from Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road towards Expo Centre Sharjah is now operational. Dr Salah bin Butti Al Muhairi, Chairman of the Initiatives Implementation Authority (Mubadara), said the partial opening would help visitors reach the fair while work continues on the remaining sections.

The second phase will see the full opening of the upper-level junction at Al Taawun Roundabout and the Al Taawun Tunnel, together with bridges and junctions along three industrial streets, improvements to Al Khulafa Al Rashideen Interchange and a bridge linking it to Jamal Abdul Nasser Street.

The project comprises five main sections. The 560-metre Al Taawun Tunnel will carry three lanes in each direction towards Dubai, with capacity for around 4,200 vehicles per hour at peak times. Two underpasses at Al Khulafa Al Rashideen Interchange add two lanes in each direction and a 315-metre bridge, adding roughly 2,600 vehicles per hour. New bridges on the First and Second Industrial Streets connect Damascus Street in Dubai with Wasit Street in Sharjah, targeting 2,800 vehicles per hour, while new bridges and an underpass on the Third Industrial Street create a direct link towards Sharjah city centre for a further 5,200 vehicles per hour. The Ring Road is also being widened with additional lanes.

In total the project covers about 9.18 kilometres of roads. Yousef Khamis Al Othmani, Chairman of the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority, said the works reflect the emirate's efforts to develop its road network in line with urban growth and residents' daily needs.

(Source: Khaleej Times)