Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) said it has awarded a Dh191-million ($52 million) contract for the construction of roads at Al Awir and for improvement of entrances to the International City (First Stage) Project.  

The proposal for the construction of a series of projects and transportation systems was endorsed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai during a recent visit to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

Commenting on the directive, Mattar Al Tayer, the chairman of the board and executive director of the RTA, said this project is being undertaken in collaboration with Nakheel, the main developer of International City.

"It comes in light of findings in the Traffic Impacts Study of International City and the Dragon Mart area, especially after the opening of the Dragon Mart extension and the anticipated traffic backups in the area," stated Al Tayer.

"Currently, there is a single main entrance shared by residents of International City and visitors of the Dragon Mart, which often results in backups during the morning and evening peak times. Over the past years, RTA provided an additional signalized entry/exit point at Al Manama Road that has eased the traffic flow at the main entrance off Al Awir Road," he added.

According to him, this improvement project, which covers Al Awir Road, Nouakchott Road, and International City at Al Warsan in Dubai, would improve the flow in the road network, and ease the flow of traffic within International City.

"The project comprises improving Al Awir Road in a sector extending from the intersection of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road up to the roundabout of International City. A two-lane flyover will be constructed at the juncture of Nouakchott and Al Awir Roads to ensure the free movement of traffic for inbound traffic from Nouakchott Road and outbound to westward Al Awir Road (in the direction of Dubai city)," explained Al Tayer.

"It will also provide a turning point for motorists coming from Al Awir Road heading to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road. The project additionally includes the construction of a service road in both directions of Al Awir Road to ensure the smooth movement of traffic running separately from International City, Dragon Mart and Al Warqaa District," he said.

"The project work will include construction of a pedestrian and cycling bridge to ease movement between Al Warqaa and International City, and offer access to the business district, such as Dragon Mart and the Fruits & Vegetables Market," stated Al Tayer.

The existing four main roundabouts in International City (Street 414) would be transformed into signalized junctions, and the existing lane would be widened by adding one or two lanes in certain sectors, he added.-TradeArabia News Service