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Tram work: Traffic to be diverted for two months

Vehicles to be rerouted from Al Sufouh starting tomorrow

One of the first trams to arrive at Al Sufouh depot in Dubai in January this year. — KT file photo

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) plans to carry out traffic diversions at Al Sufouh Road from May 16 to July 15 for the Dubai Tram project which opens in November.

The diversions would be in two phases, said Engineer Maitha bint Udai, CEO of RTA Traffic and Roads Agency.

The first starts on May 16 and runs through June 8 while the second, commencing on June 8, continues until July 15.

Urging road users to slow down and be more attentive to the new traffic diversions, Maitha said the work will be carried around-the-clock till the completion of all chores related to the tram project. The RTA is keen to minimise the duration of the detour, keeping in mind potential congestions resulting from the diversions.

The diversions will be carried out on four intersections on Al Sufouh Road: The intersection parallel to Dubai College, the one near the Dubai Media City, a third near Tamani Hotel, and the last near the District 10 building.

Motorists and residents have been asked to cooperate as the measures are needed for the opening of the Dubai Tram in November.

During the initial stage of operation, the tram is expected to be used by about 27,000 riders per day. The number is anticipated to hit 66,000 riders per day by 2020.

The project covers 14.6 km along Al Sufouh Road. The initial stage covers the construction of a 10.6 km track from the Marina to the tram depot near the Dubai Police Academy.

The tram network will include 17 passenger stations, 11 of which will be constructed during the initial phase. Phase 1 will comprise 14 trams with the number rising to 25 in phase II.

The tramway will run at grade level along Al Sufouh Road but rise while passing some parts of the Dubai Marina. It will link up with the Metro at the Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Lakes Towers stations via footbridges.

Al Sufouh Tram will also be linked with the Monorail of The Palm Jumeirah at the entrance of the Palm from Al Sufouh Road by an airconditioned footbridge to ensure the smooth and safe movement of passengers.

news@khaleejtimes.com