Dubai’s transport authority has awarded an AED500m ($136m) contract for the construction of the first phase of the road and bridge network for the Dubai Water Canal project.
The Roads and Transport Authority has awarded the contract to Turkish firm Gunal, news agency WAM reported on Sunday.
Al Tayer said that the first phase of the project will consist of constructing a bridge on Sheikh Zayed Road that passes through the highest point of the canal, allowing for free maritime movement 24 hours a day.
Roads affected by the works will also have their lanes extended to allow for smooth traffic movement to the canal’s banks, he said.
The 3km canal is to extend from the Business Bay district to and will cross the Sheikh Zayed Road, between Safa and 1st Interchanges, and will pass across Safa Park and Al Wasl Road and terminate at the Arabian Gulf.
The project, which will be completed in three phases, will span more than 80,000 square metres and will encompass new shopping and entertainment centres linked through a uniquely designed bridge to more than 450 new restaurants along with luxurious marinas for yachts, and four world-class hotels.
The development, which is due to be completed in 2017, will allow for the construction of deluxe residences and private marinas for boats along with pedestrian pathways and cycling tracks and is expected to attract up to 22 million visitors per annum.
The decision to award the contract was made during an RTA board meeting chaired by Mattar Al Tayer, chairman and executive director of the RTA, WAM said.
The RTA said it is expecting marine transportation to be used by more than six million passengers per year.
Al Tayer added that the RTA has already laid out a plan regarding temporary traffic diversions to ensure a smooth traffic flow.
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