Mohammed bin Rashid endorses awarding the contract of phase V of Parallel Roads Project

This Phase is the most expensive phase in the Parallel Roads Project; which includes ten phases. So far five contracts have been awarded and four are under construction.

Thus, the total value of contracts which have been awarded in Parallel Roads Project has been increased to more than Dhs6. 257bn.

H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board & Executive Director of the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), said that Parallel Roads Project is one of the biggest projects carried out by the RTA. This road sector extends 108 km from Sheikh Rashid Road in the North and ends at the outskirts of the Abu Dhabi. It includes construction of bridges and intersections at the juncture of Parallel Roads with perpendicular Roads in a sector extending 42 km in length.

'The Project has been awarded to Sang Wang Co., which is one of the biggest construction companies in South Korea. It includes construction of two roads of three lanes in each direction for mainstream traffic, and two lanes in each direction for localized traffic, except for intersection points; where the number of vehicles matches to the expected traffic volumes. The project also includes road improvements in the Business Bay Crossing and Burj Dubai areas, as well as construction of 30 bridges, 2 underpasses and 10 km surface roads. The Project involves massive improvements, construction of additional bridges at the existing bridge at the junction of Al Khail Road with Muscat Road, ensuring smooth traffic flow to Burj Dubai & the Business Bay Crossing, in addition to road landscaping and lighting.

'Work in various phases of the project that have been awarded so far is progressing well according to the approved schedule. Construction of the first contract, which includes construction of roads in Al Barsha & Al Qouz Industrial, is expected to be completed in February 2009. This phase, which will be constructed at a cost of Dhs600m, extends from Jebel Ali Racecourse up to Muscat Road, extending 13 km in both the western parallel road and the eastern parallel road' said Al Tayer.

The eastern & western parallel roads pass through Al Barsha residential & industrial areas and consist of three lanes in each direction.

The Project includes two flyovers and 17 light signal-controlled interchanges as well as all utilities related to irrigation, sewage, lighting and traffic & directional signboards.

Phase II of Parallel Roads Projects, which costs about Dh693 million, is located in Zaábeel area and includes elevated roads involving 19 bridges made of precast concrete extending 4236 meters in length and 14.7 meters in width.

The road extends from the terminal point of the Western Parallel Road (prior to Zaábeel Road) in an elevated road beside the external boundary wall of Zaábeel Park, to link with Sheikh Rashid Road near Al Qataiyaat Intersection, providing a direct link between Al Garhoud Bridge and the western parallel road.

The Project, which started on 12 November 2007 includes various road works such as asphalt works, lighting, signals, traffic signs and others.

Remaining phases of the project currently range from initial designs to bidding processes.

'The cost of the two contracts of Phase III (A, B) of comprehensive development of roads parallel to Sheikh Zayed Road amounts to Dhs1.399.173.000/- and is scheduled to be carried out in two years. Main works under Phase 3 (A) of the Project, which amounts to Dh449.233.000 has been awarded to Todini Co. and will be completed in 600 days. The Project is located in Jumeirah Lakes Towers area and links with wide-ranging real estate complexes belonging to Emaar & Nakheel Companies in the area to south of Sheikh Zayed Road between Intersection 5 and 5.5.

The Project includes construction of a road extending 10 km consisting of six lanes, five flyovers, two tunnels, and supporting services such as pavements, signs, landmarks, lighting, traffic diversions and protecting existing utility lines.

This phase covers 6% of total parallel roads project.

'Phase 3 (B) of the Project, which costs about Dh950 million, was awarded to Al Naboodah Contracting Co. and would be completed in 730 days. The project is situated near Emirates Hills area and passes through extensive urban areas such as Jebel Ali Racecourse, Emirates Hills, the Springs, Jumeirah Islands, Jumeirah Park and Metro Plans.

Total length of the road at this stage is 20 km (equivalent to 14% of Parallel Roads Project) and consists of 3 lanes in each direction, 10 bridges, 4 underpasses, and supporting services such as pavements, signs, landmarks, lighting, traffic diversions and protecting existing utility lines.

'Last May RTA awarded the Contract of Phase IV of Parallel Roads Project at a cost of Dh1.855.836.000; extending from Al Barsha area up to Technopark Complex. Total length of the new roads is 31 km, composing of lanes in each direction, subject to increase at the intersections as needed. The Project includes construction of 23 flyovers extending around 8 km, ensuring smooth traffic flow across all interchanges in the project area. Upon completion of projects linking free zones and other areas covered by the contract, the Project will cut short the trip time for heavy vehicles and their intensity on surrounding roads; a matter which ensures better traffic flow' added Al Tayer.