Dh40m development for arterial square in Sharjah

Sharjah - Abdurrahman bin Hadid Square connecting the Shaikh Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi and Al Kuwait roads will be partially closed from today.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Sharjah, in a bid to boost traffic flow and increase the capacity of the city intersections, will develop the Ahmed bin Abdurrahman bin Hadid Square at an estimated cost of Dh40 million.
The project, also meant to enhance public safety and security, is in line with the directions of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, according to a top official.
Eng Yusuf Al Suwaihi, Chairman of RTA Sharjah, said the square will be turned into a signalled intersection. "The development work in the square connecting the Shaikh Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi and Al Kuwait roads, will start on Wednesday and be completed in the first quarter of next year."
The project is one of the integrated solutions the RTA Sharjah has adopted to curb traffic congestion, he added. "The recently accomplished projects have significantly boosted traffic flow downtown as is the case with the Rashid bin Saqr Al Qasimi intersection as well as the King Faisal Road and the Lake Corniche."
Eng Suleiman Al Hajiri, Director-General of RTA Sharjah for Roads Affairs, said the major square, serving four main areas, including Al Subaikha, Al Qadisiya, Al Nakhilat and Al Hazana areas, will be entirely developed.
"The whole square as well as the two-way roads leading to it from the four directions will be totally removed and rebuilt in a way that increases the capacity of the planned intersection."
The intersection area will consist of five lanes, three for onward direction and two for U-turn, he elaborated. "The infrastructure will be developed to include parking spaces, sidewalks, four bus stops, let alone gas, electricity, water and communication supplies."
The lighting, pavement, irrigation, sewage, and rain drainage works are also considered, Al Hajiri explained. "The square will be partially closed, but priority will be given to those heading to the Shaikh Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi road."
Safe alternative roads have also been taken into consideration to reduce traffic snarls, and ensure traffic flow along the Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi road in both directions, he pointed out.
"RTA Sharjah has distributed brochures to the residents around the intersection to be aware of the project details," he said, urging cooperation and communication for feedbacks via the Authority Call Centre (600525252).
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• Sharjah