RTA to divide $544.5mn Dubai Canal project into three contracts

RELATED ARTICLES: Album: What the Dubai Canal will look like | Sheikh Mohammad launches $544.5mn Dubai Canal project | RTA plans massive expansion for Dubai Metro lines The Roads and Transport Authority will divide the $544.5 million Dubai Canal project into three contracts because of the ‘enormity’ of the scheme, it has been announced. Mattar Al Tayer, chairman of the board and executive director of the RTA, said that the first and second contracts cover building bridges over the canal for Sheikh Zayed Road – spanning eight lanes in each direction – and three lanes on each side of Al Wasl Road and Jumeirah Road. The crossings will be built 8.5 metres above the water to allow boats to pass underneath. Al Tayer added that the third contract will cover the drilling and landscaping works, as well as the construction of four pedestrian crossings. In addition, four marine stations will be constructed for public transport use. The RTA is set to carry out several improvements on key roads intersecting the canal, as well as surrounding areas, such as Jumeirah and Al Safa, including the construction of roads alongside the canal. Three pedestrian bridges will cross the canal, in addition to footpaths on all the new main bridges. There will also be tracks for jogging and cycling along both sides of the canal. Landscaping will include green areas, benches and other facilities and tourist-oriented projects. The Dubai Canal project will stretch 3km from Business Bay to the Arabian Gulf, with a width ranging from 80m to 120m. The Canal will cross Sheikh Zayed Road (between Al Safa Interchange and the first interchange) and pass across Safa Park, Al Wasl Road and Jumeirah 2. The project will add 6km to Dubai’s waterfront and will provide an area of more than 80,000m² dedicated to public places and facilities. It will also encompass new shopping and entertainment centres, more than 450 new restaurants and marinas for yachts, four hotels and residences. Furthermore, at the entrance of the project from Sheikh Zayed Road, a trade centre will be constructed comprising four levels, including one underground and three elevated levels linking Business Bay with the project zone in a total area of more than 50,000m².