The second phase of the Maleha Road and a new underpass on King Abdul Aziz Road in Sharjah, UAE, have been opened to traffic.

The total cost of the Maleha Road project, now to be called Islamic Institute Road, is about AED1.2bn ($326.7m). The work was undertaken by Sharjah’s Directorate of Public Works.

Islamic Institute Road consists of three lanes in each direction and includes four bridges, which pass through the industrial areas.

The new underpass runs parallel to Airport Road and provides an alternative route towards Maleha Road, Emirates Road and Sharjah Ring Road.

The opening of the roads was expected to ease traffic movement within Sharjah city, according to Gulf News.

The final phase of the Al Wahda improvement project is expected to cost AED172m ($46m) and is scheduled to be completed by September.