The Abu Dhabi Department of Transport (ADDOT), in the UAE has launched a Dh40m road safety improvement programme to improve safety on the 327km Al Mafraq-Al Ghuwaifat highway.

The project focuses mainly on providing enhanced traffic security and aims to bring road safety features up to international standards.

In 2007, 14% of the accidents in Abu Dhabi took place on this highway, according to statistics.

The project work includes U-turn improvement, dangerous U-turn closure, directional and warning signs installation, road markings, and the repair of solar power flashers at unlit U-turns and speed humps in rest areas.

The project also includes improvement of pedestrian crossings through the Al Sila area.

In addition, the Abu Dhabi Traffic Police, strategic partner of the Department of Transport in this initiative, has installed 20 solar-powered speed radars along the highway.

Under the programme the ADDOT also intends to install speed signs and speed radars and intensify police patrols. They will also issue spot fines to those who violate traffic laws.

The four-year programme to develop this major road link is estimated to be implemented by end of 2009.

In addition, development work is also underway on the Al Mafraq-Al Ghuwaifat highway to expand the road to eight lanes.