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RAK roads project set to ease congestion

The Department of Public Works in Ras Al Khaimah is to develop the Old Corniche road, and build four new pedestrian overpasses, and a bridge behind the Cultural Centre.

According to a senior official, the move is part of the Department’s strategy to develop the roads of the emirate.

RAK Public Works and Services Department Director Engineer Ahmed Al Hammadi, said a fourth lane is to be added to the Old Corniche Road to make it more spacious so it can withstand more vehicles. “The new lane is to be 2,500 metres long.”

A four metre wide support wall will also be built between the road and the sea to make the road more resistant. “The whole road shall be constructed again, and equipped with better lights.”

“These are apart from the construction of a new sewage network to prevent the accumulation of rain water and the huge amounts of water splashed on the road from the nearby sea waves during winter (which often cause) road closures.”

Al Hammadi added that the four flyovers to be built are aimed to curb run-over accidents. “We shall also build new pedestrian crossings at the areas with more run-over accidents in collaboration with the Traffic and Patrol Department, RAK.”

The Department is also planning to develop the Hamra (Red) Road which extends for 10km. “The road will be three lanes, and two more roundabouts will be built at the Arabs Port and Red Castle.”

Meanwhile, Al Hammadi announced that the Department has temporarily stopped the construction works of the Manar Bridge project until they finish the development of the Oman Federal road.

“We are working on the right options to curb traffic congestion on the intersection, one of the major roads in the emirate.”

The initial study conducted before affirmed the need for a new bridge on the Manar Intersection to enhance traffic flow and prevent accidents.

Earlier, the Department announced that it was planning to cancel the traffic signals installed against the Manar Mall, and replace them with a bridge to decrease traffic knots on the way to Shaml area. “The new bridge is about 500m long.”

Al Hammadi said the bridge to be built behind the Cultural Centre will significantly curb traffic jams on the Oman Road. “The new bridge, to be built over the Abra which connects the Khor with the RAK Sea, is expected to cut traffic congestion by 20 per cent.”-ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com