HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid endorses the contract for Phase 4 of Parallel Roads Project

Phase IV is the biggest phase of the Parallel Roads Project; which consists of 9 contracts, 4 of which have been awarded and 3 are under construction.

Upon reviewing the detailed charts, HH Sheikh Mohammed directed to expedite the construction of the project according to the proposed schedule and widen the road to four lanes in each direction. HH also directed to step-up the construction of a number of vital projects with a view to ease traffic bottlenecks in the city of Dubai.

The Parallel Roads Project is one of the biggest projects carried out by the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA). This passageway covers108 km stretching from Sheikh Rashid Road (to the north) and terminating at the outskirts of the emirate of Abu Dhabi. It contains bridges and intersections between parallel and perpendicular roads in a sector extending 42 km. This Project comprises two corridors to support Sheikh Zayed Road, which is witnessing intensive traffic triggered by a series of massive development projects spanning along this vital road. Following these works, the intake of both roads is expected to rise to 18000 vehicles per hour.

"Phase IV of Parallel Roads Project extends from Al Barsha up to Techno Park involving construction of new roads with a total length of 31 km. It consists of four lanes running in each direction, with more lanes added near intersections, when needed. The project comprises construction of 23 flyovers, with a total length of about 8 km, to ensure seamless traffic stream at all interchanges of the project," said RTA Chairman of the Board & Executive Director.

"In coordination with Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA), RTA managed to separate Inter-Free Zones traffic at both sides of the Project from the bypassing road. Upon completion of construction of bridges linking Free Zones and areas covered by the Contract, the Project will help in cutting short trip time for trucks, minimizing truck density on nearby roads and providing better flow of traffic on these roads.

"Work is progressing according to schedule in other phases of the project. Construction works in the first contract of the project are set to be completed in February 2009, covering road construction in Al Barsha and Al Qouz Industrial Area. This Phase, which costs around Dhs600m, extends from Jebel Racecourse up to Muscat Road, with a total length of 13 km spanning both Western Parallel Road and Eastern Parallel Road," said Al Tayer.

Eastern & Western Parallel Roads, consisting of three lanes in each direction, pass across Al Barhsa residential area and Al Qouz Industrial Area. The Project also comprises two flyovers and 17 light signal-controlled intersections, and works necessary for all services such as irrigation, sewage, lighting, and traffic & directional signage.

Phase II of Parallel Roads Project, costing about Dh693m and centered on Za'abeel area, comprises construction of elevated roads including 19 bridges made of pre cast concrete segments. It extends 4236 meters in length and 14.7 meters in width, and links with the terminal point of the Western Parallel Road, prior to Za'abeel Road 2. It extends in an elevated road alongside the boundary of Za'abeel Park to link with Sheikh Rashid Road near Al Qatta'iyat Road, thereby providing a direct link between Al Garhoud Bridge and the Western Parallel Road.

The Project, in which construction works started on 12 November 2007, comprises various works such as paving, lighting, traffic signals, traffic signs ... etc. The remaining phases of the project are now under initial design and tendering processes. The cost of the two contracts of Phase III (A & B) of these roads parallel to Sheikh Zayed Road reached Dh1.399.173.000 and will be completed in two years. The Contract under Phase III (A) costing Dh449.233.000 had been awarded to Todini Co. and will be completed in 600 days.

Al Tayer further added: "The Project is located in Jumeirah Lake Towers area and links vast expanses of property complexes of Emaar and Nakheel towards the southern part of Sheikh Zayed Road between Interchanges 5 and 5.5. It comprises constructing a 10 km road of 6 lanes, 5 bridges and 2 underpasses in addition to construction-related activities such as facilities, pavements, signage, road markings, lighting, traffic diversions and protecting the existing utility lines. This Phase comprises 6% of the total Parallel Roads Project.

"Phase III (B) of the Project, costing about Dhs950m, was awarded to Al Naboodah Contracting Co. and will be constructed in 730 days. The road project passes across huge property developments in the vicinity of Jebel Ali Racecourse such as Emirates Hills, The Springs, Jumeirah Islands, Jumeirah Park and Metro Planned areas.

"This Phase includes construction of a 20 km long road, comprising 14% of the Parallel Roads Project. It consists of 3 lanes in each direction and involves construction of 10 bridges, and 4 underpasses in addition to facilities, pavements, signage, road markings, lighting, traffic diversions and protecting the existing utility lines.