The Department of Transport (DoT) in Abu Dhabi, UAE, has completed works on the AED700m ($190.6m) Ras Al Akhdar and Bainunah Street Project.

Commenced in May 2011, the project was a part of the department’s plan to improve and develop transport infrastructure in the Ras Al Akhdar and Al Bateen areas.

The construction scheme involved building of two tunnels, Bainunah and Etihad.

The Bainunah tunnel includes two lanes extending to Sultan bin Zayed Street, and measures 750m in length and 6.5m in height.

In addition to boosting traffic capacity in Hazza bin Zayed Street and Sultan bin Zayed Street, this tunnel will enhance the overall infrastructure and traffic flow on Bainunah Street.

Constructed in the Ras Al Akhdar area, the Etihad tunnel extends to 240m in length and 5.5m in height, and includes two-lanes that lead directly to the Etihad Towers.

Designed in a U shape, the tunnel will improve and complement the public transport network to meet the rising urban developments in the Ras Al Akhdar area.

According to DoT, both tunnels were developed in accordance with the international standards for roads and tunnels.

The new tunnels feature a control centre with Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) in order to manage traffic flow, in addition to the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to control the advanced fire fighting system, ventilation system and storm water drainage system.

"The construction scheme involved building of two tunnels, Bainunah and Etihad."

Lighting in the tunnels complies with the sustainability levels and can be automatically adjusted according to the natural lighting intensity.

The road works project also featured the expansion of a part of Bainunah Street to four lanes, including a bus lane on both sides, as well as the improvement of the traffic capacity on part of Corniche Road and Sultan Bin Zayed Street.

Besides, zebra crossings have been placed at all intersections across Bainunah Street and Ras Al Akhdar in addition to pedestrian walking signals.

The project has been undertaken by Al Naboodah Contracting Company.