Dubai Water Canal Project’s Phase 1 Almost 40% Complete- RTA

The first phase of the Dubai Water Canal project is almost 40 per cent complete, the Chairman and Executive Director of Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Matter Al Tayer said.

The work in the Phase 1 of the mega project includes the construction of a bridge over the Sheikh Zayed Road comprising of eight lanes in each direction.

“The contractor of phase I of the project started construction works in the Northern Bridge on the Sheikh Zayed Road in the direction of Dubai, nearby the red line of Dubai Metro,” said Al Tayer.

“Almost 50 per cent of excavation works and casting of concrete piles have been completed, and the Northern Bridge is expected to open in the fourth quarter of this year. The construction of the bridge in the direction from Dubai to Abu Dhabi would follow. The company also embarked on constructing service roads in the Business Bay area after shifting the existing utility lines in site.”

Meanwhile the completion rate in phase II, which includes construction of bridges in Al Wasl and Jumeirah road, reached 25 per cent, he added.

Al Tayer said that the contractor on the project has completed the drilling works and the casting of concrete piles in this phase. The works to divert traffic on these roads are slated to begin soon.

“In Jumeirah Road, excavation works are underway to protect the utility lines in preparation for constructing the traffic diversion,” the RTA chief said.

The third phase in which the actual canal is being constructed is 15 per cent complete, Al Tayer said.

“Work is currently underway to complete the protection of utility lines and the shifting of sewage lines on both sides of the canal, besides constructing sewage pumping station and coastal works for the breakwater.

“Earlier this year, the RTA also reopened the running track of Al Safa Park, which had been impacted by construction works.”

The 3km long water canal project, which has a completion date of 2017, will run from Business Bay into the Arabian Gulf, crossing past Safa Park and Jumeirah.

Touted to be a major tourist destination, the Dhs2 billion project will include a new shopping centre, four hotels and 450 restaurants as well as luxury housing and cycling paths.

It is expected to provide new areas measuring 80,000 square metres for public places and facilities, as well as private marinas for boats and a new trade centre at the entrance of the canal.

Phase III of the project also includes filling works to build a man-made peninsula along Jumeirah Park, which will double the beach line of the park, increase the park area, and allow for more leisure activities, RTA said.