The Department of Transport officials during the foundation stone laying ceremony. Credit: Abu Dhabi Government ©.

The Department of Transport (DoT) in Abu Dhabi has started work on the new AED1.13bn ($356m) road project that will connect Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Road with Al Reem and Umm Lafina islands in the UAE.

Serving as an extension of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Road, the new 10.5km road project forms part of the ongoing transport programme by DoT to improve Abu Dhabi infrastructure and support its economic growth.

The extension will link the islands with the main road on the intersection in Dhafeer Street.

The project is envisaged to be completed by the second quarter of 2020 under two contracts.

As part of the first contract, a three-lane road will be built on each direction for 6.5km starting from Al Reem Island and passing through Umm Lafina Island (North and South).

Additionally, the project will include construction of three bridges above water canals to enable navigation traffic.

“The extension will link the islands with the main road on the intersection in Dhafeer Street.”

The second contract will involve the construction of a 4km road above the water and areas with mangroves to link the south side of Umm Lafina Island with Sheikh Zayed Road.

Furthermore, two additional bridges will be built that will pass through the water canals and main intersection to prevent traffic congestion on all directions with Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Road.

The project will also comprise pedestrian and cycling lanes, as well as feature bike renting shops.

During the construction, DoT also aims to minimise the project’s environmental impact and therefore prioritised environment safety during the planning and designing phases.

The project will use arch-shaped concrete tiles to ensure a consistent flow of the water and water navigation in the area, as well as reduce adverse effects on mangroves trees.