Dubai’s RTA Awards Dhs384m Deal For Phase II Of Water Canal Project

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded a construction contract for the second phase of the Dhs2 billion Dubai Water Canal project to China State Corporation, state news agency WAM reported.

The contract, worth Dhs384 million, comprises of the construction of bridges across the 3km long canal on Al Wasl and Jumeirah roads, a statement said.

The second phase of the project is scheduled to be completed by 2016, RTA chairman Mattar Al Tayer said.

He added that the completion date of the second phase will also coincide with the end of the first phase which covers the construction of a bridge on the Sheikh Zayed Road over the canal.

The contract includes the construction of a free and integrated multi-tier interchange, which will provide a traffic link between Al Wasl, Al Hadiqa and Al Athar roads and replace the existing traffic signals.

“The contract also covers utility diversion works beneath the canal, in addition to the construction of spare conduits for utility lines underneath the canal to meet the projected future requirements,” said Al Tayer.

RTA had previously announced that the construction of alternative roads over Sheikh Zayed Road will begin in July while traffic will be diverted from October 25.

“The RTA has drawn up plans governing traffic diversion to ensure smooth traffic flow such that the engineering design of the temporary traffic diversion will conform to the specifications of permanent roads in terms of engineering design, leveling of the asphalt surface, and the provision of lighting compatible to the design speed of the road in order to ensure the traffic safety of all road users,” said Al Tayer.

“The number of lanes during the diversion stage will be equal to the existing number of lanes in order to make sure that such diversions will not have a negative impact on the existing traffic volumes, and accordingly avoid any congestion or delay caused by construction works.”

Al Tayer confirmed that the RTA is about to finalise the diversion of all utility lines on Sheikh Zayed Road as part of the first phase of the project.

The 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.

The canal itself will measure six metres deep while bridges will be built eight metres high to allow the passing of yachts and marine craft.

The first phase of the project comprises the construction of a bridge over the Sheikh Zayed Road, with a capacity of eight lanes in each direction. It will also include the diversion of utility lanes impacted by the course of the canal, and lighting and fountain works on the bridge.

Earlier this year, RTA awarded a construction supervision contract for the project to a joint venture between Parsons and Halcrow. The scope of work included elevating three major roads in Dubai, relocating utilities and constructing the 2.8km long Dubai Water Canal.