Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded a major contract worth Dh178 million ($48.4 million) for the second phase work on widening Seih Assalam Road Project.

The scope of work includes extension of about 21 km of road from Al Qudra roundabout to the intersection of Dubai-Al Ain Road, said a statement from RTA.

The project comprises widening of the existing road through Al Lisaili and Al Marmoom, to make it a dual carriageway of two lanes in each direction, it added.

Mattar Al Tayer, the director-general and chairman of the board of executive directors of RTA, said the works include construction of nine roundabouts to ensure a safe and smooth traffic flow in those areas, four crossings for camels and horses, a cycling track, service roads, and car-parks besides broadening the existing parking lot of the Dubai International Endurance City.

"Project works also include street lights, rainwater drainage network, and rail along the median to fend off casual U-turns," stated Al Tayer.

Early this year, RTA opened Phase One of the Seih Assalam dual carriageway extending 12 km from Bab Al Shams Hotel and Dubai International Endurance City up to Al Qudra roundabout, said the RTA statement.

The road has been widened to two lanes in each direction, and three roundabouts have been constructed, it stated.

Once Phase Two is completed, RTA would accomplish upgrading a key traffic corridor starting from the Dubai International Endurance City up to Dubai-Al Ain Road, or Al Qudra Road passing over Emirates Road and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, stretching further up to Jumeirah, said Al Tayer.

RTA completed last year the widening of Al Qudra Road from the intersection of Jebel Ali-Lehbab up to Bab Al Shams roundabout extending 12 km and comprising three lanes in each direction at a cost of Dh110 million ($30 million).-TradeArabia News Service