The Department of Transport (DoT) in Abu Dhabi has launched a new highway interchange project in a move to improve the road network around the new airport terminal complex.

The new project is part of plans to deliver sustainable and integrated transport infrastructure in line with the ‘Abu Dhabi 2030 Vision’ and its Surface Transport Master Plan (STMP).

DoT has planned and developed the complete design of a new highway interchange serving as the main entry and exit to the new Midfield Terminal Complex (MTC), which is scheduled to open by July 2017.

Under the project, access to and from the airport complex will be offered by the main five lanes interchange, facilitating smooth movement to the airport and reducing journey times for the high number of vehicles that are expected to use these facilities.

An additional interchange is planned for the route, delivering access to the long-term car park located to the north of MTC.

"DoT has planned and developed the complete design of a new highway interchange serving as the main entry and exit to the new Midfield Terminal Complex (MTC), which is scheduled to open by July 2017."

The project will also see the replacement of the existing roundabout junction under the E-10 Main Road with an underpass, which will address the needs of the local traffic using the airport, Yas Island Tunnel and the Al Raha Beach development.

In addition, the plan involves widening the E-10 Main Road by constructing an additional lane to the current four lanes in each direction.

The widening will extend between the new interchange at Al Raha Beach and beyond the E-10/E-12 interchange.

Once completed, the widened road is expected to cater to high daily and peak hour future traffic flows.

DoT main roads surface transport advisor and acting general manager Khalid Rashid Deemas Al Suwaidi said: "The new airport terminal complex network is one of the key strategic projects that will offer the public better accessibility and smooth traffic to and from the yet-to-be-completed airport terminal complex, whilst enhancing other public transport facilities linked to this or to other projects.

"Besides, it will be integrated with other future transport modes such as the Metro."

The design phase of the project has been carried out in partnership with utility providers in Abu Dhabi, and in line with future development plans.