Big relief for Dubai-Sharjah commuters: New road opens

Dubai - The new slip road is part of the Badeea project which involves the development of the intersection of the Emirates road and the Maleha road in Sharjah.

The UAE Ministry of Infrastructure Development on Sunday opened a new motorway slip road that connects the emirates of Sharjah and Dubai for those heading from Al Badeea area.

Three lanes, extending over 2 km, have been added before the slip road to withstand more vehicles in the Sharjah to Dubai direction, according to a senior official.

"A third lane has been added to the slip road itself to make it three-lane wide, and give a boost to traffic flow, particularly during peak hours," said Eng Hassan Al Mansuri, assistant undersecretary for public works sector.

The slip road, completed as per schedule, is one of a series, some of which have been opened and some are underway, will curb traffic congestion, especially with the start of the new academic year, he added.

"The project, and all ongoing and planned infrastructure schemes, will best connect all federal roads across the country and enhance security and trade movement in line with the directives of the UAE prudent leadership."

He said the new slip road is part of the 'Badeea' project which involves the development of the intersection of the Emirates road and the Maleha road in the emirate of Sharjah, he elaborated.

"The mega project, valued at Dh200 million, is expected to be completed by the end of next year 2017."

The three-partite scheme spans the construction of a new bridge to directly shift traffic flow of those driving from Dubai to Sharjah in the direction of the University City of Sharjah, Eng Mansuri explained. "The three-lane bridge is one way only."

Developing a new three-lane Exit for those heading from Sharjah to Dubai is the second part of the project, he stated. "As for the third part of the project, the current bridge on the Emirates and Maleha roads is to be expanded from three to seven lanes."

Indicating, Eng Mansuri said the development of the Badeea project is based on an extensive study of 20 years. "The arterial intersection failed to meet the incessant growth there, and had to be developed to safely separate the vehicles running at the entries and exits."

The ministry of infrastructure always considers the expected growth and development in the future when developing all federal roads in the country, he pointed out.

"All the roads being developed are in line with the latest international safety and quality standards, do give a boost to the economic development and prosperity, and connect all land, sea and air border points."

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com