3 new interchanges to open on Al Khail Road

Three new interchanges on Al Khail Road would open for traffic in December 2011, replacing the existing perennially clogged roundabouts.

The interchanges are part of the 22-Kilometre long Al Khail Corridor adjoining Al Quoz/Al Barsha areas, which also has a fourth interchange under construction to be completed by next year end, Khaleej Times reported.

The project would also see expansion of Al Khail Road along the distance of the corridor as two lanes are being added on each direction.

 “We are currently working on multiple projects and Al Khail Corridor along with Oud Metha Tunnels is one of the biggest and most anticipated road projects currently in progress. We are happy that despite the current economic climate, we will manage to complete 75 per cent of the project within schedule,” Eng. Maitha bin Adai, CEO of RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency, was quoted as saying by Khaleej Times.

Work on the expansion and upgrade of the corridor has been going on for the last two years, subjecting motorists to a lot of congestion and ever-changing diversions. When the work is completed, the corridor would provide a non-stop alternative to Sheikh Zayed Road and Emirates Road, straddling between two main arteries of the Dubai.

The Dh215 million project is part of the Parallel Roads Project that covers a total area of 108 kilometres and includes 16 junctions and six flyovers.

“We have completed most parts of the Parallel Roads Project of which Al Khail Corridor is a small but significant part, and with the completion of this only a small portion near Trade Centre and Sheikh Rashid Road would be remaining to be completed,” explained Maitha, adding that the completion of Junction 19 which connects Emirates Road with the Al Khail Road through an interchange would solve a lot of 
problems.

“The Project R842/1 (Junction 19) is a vital part of Al Khail Corridor and when it opens at the end of this year there will be non-stop traffic between Emirates Road and Al Khail Road, which currently see a lot of tailback,” Maitha added.

Junction 19 is located near the Dubai Sports City and is the biggest of all the interchanges that would open this year end, which consists of an interchange that will replace the existing roundabout in addition to two directional ramps, as well as widening of the connecting portion of Al Khail Road from four to six lanes. More than 80 per cent of this segment is complete.

Other interchanges that will be ready this year include Junction 22 (also called R842/2) that will see an interchange replacing the existing roundabout connecting Al Khail Road with Latifa bint Hamdan Street, Junctions 10, 11, and 13 along with the interchange that connects Al Marabea Street with Al Khail Road

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