Abu Dhabi’s Yas tunnel opens to the public

The Yas tunnel, which connects Al Raha Beach to Yas Island, officially opened to the public on Monday.

The 1.1km long tunnel, which is 43 metres wide and has a height clearance of 4.5 metres, is made up of six lanes and will play a vital role in connecting key attractions on the island such as Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island Hotels and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi to residential communities such as Al Bandar and Al Raha Gardens, and improve connection times to and from Abu Dhabi International Airport.

The tunnel represents a key infrastructure component of Plan Capital 2030 and was developed following an agreement between the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) and Aldar Properties.

With the project's completion, Aldar has now handed over the Yas tunnel to the Department of Transport (DoT) for future operation and maintenance.

"The Yas tunnel development, which is in line with Plan Capital 2030 guiding principles, is a clear testament of our commitment to implement benchmark urban infrastructure projects integrating a world class traffic system in Abu Dhabi. The tunnel is an integral component of Abu Dhabi's Surface Transport Masterplan that will not only provide seamless connectivity to landmark projects on Yas Island, but will also reduce transit time for residents in nearby communities," said Saood Al Junaibi, Director of Sustainable Development and Urban Design, UPC.

The tunnel was built to international standards, in collaboration with the Department of Transport. 27,000 tonnes of steel and 160,000m2 of concrete were used in the construction process that was completed by Aldar ahead of schedule in August 2009 in order to open the channel allowing boat access to Yas Marina for the inaugural Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The tunnel also includes a 9 metres wide central cell provision for Light Rail Transit connections planned for future phases of the development.

Faisal Ahmed Al Suwaidi, General Director of Main Roads for DoT, said: "The completion and operation of this vital tunnel is one of the milestones for the Abu Dhabi's transport infrastructure, given its role as it provides motorists with a highly safe and smooth path that connects with the main roads leading to Yas Marina Circuit.

“This project highlights the close cooperation between DoT and the private sector. Once handed the project from Aldar, DoT has endeavored to complete the surrounding roads network for the tunnel on time in cooperation with its strategic partners and ensured to implement transport and safety control intelligent systems."

Talal Al Dhiyebi, Director of Planning and Infrastructure, Aldar Properties, said: "We are delighted to celebrate this important delivery with our partners at the UPC and the DoT. The concerted effort of all parties to deliver this tunnel is testament to our combined commitment to placing first class infrastructure at the heart of all development work in the emirate."

The main contractor for the project was Taisei Corporation that subcontracted Al Naboodah for the civil and structural work and Alnasr for the MEP work.

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