Sayed Zaki, Staff Reporter

As part of its strategic plan, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development is working on developing and upgrading efficiency of two roads in the emirates of Sharjah and Ajman, at a total cost of Dhs131.5 million, which are scheduled to be completed by 2020.

Eng. Munira Abdulkarim, Director of the Southern Region at the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, confirmed that the two projects come within the framework of the Ministry’s keenness to translate vision of the prudent leadership of the UAE, by providing a high quality infrastructure that meets the needs of the society in line with the best international standards.

Sharjah-Masafi Road: Abdulkarim explained that the first project, which features the implementation of the second phase of the developing and upgrading the road (E88) Sharjah - Al Dhaid - Masafi from Battaih road, has begun in December 2018 achieving 14 per cent of its completion. The project is scheduled to be completed during the third quarter of next year 2020.

The second phase of the project, will cost a total of Dhs82 million. It aims to widen the road of the single lane for each direction by removing the old road and establishing a new double-lane road with two lanes for each direction for 13 km long. It will connect each of the intersection 10 on Sharjah-Al Dhaid Road (E88), with Mahafez intersection on Sharjah Maliha Road (E102) with provision of internal and external shoulders on the roads. The project also features construction of a new flyover on the new Khorfakkan road, as well as the traffic safety requirements in terms of signs, road signs and lighting works, in addition to the implementation of water drainage networks

Etihad Road in Ajman: Abdulkarim also noted that the second project of developing Etihad Road with intersection of Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Ajman, has reached 33 per cent of completion at a total cost of Dhs49.5 million. It is expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2020.

The project aims to develop and upgrade Etihad Road at the intersection of Sheikh Zayed Mosque. It will be widened to become three lanes in each direction for 2.5 km long. The project also includes the development of the intersection to become free in order to improve traffic to the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah and other directions, which will also ensure smoother traffic. The Ministry is implementing the project in accordance with the highest international standards in the field of roads. It features construction of a bridge that serves the inbound and outbound traffic between Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah. It will significantly supports the roads network and contributes to achieving high traffic flow in all directions.

In an unrelated event, the Department of Transport-Abu Dhabi (DoT) and the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) recently announced the launch of the registration process in the Abu Dhabi Toll System for individual vehicle owners via the DoT website or any Abu Dhabi Government Services Centres (Tamm) during working hours. The Abu Dhabi Toll System will be activated on Oct.15. This step comes in line with the Surface Transport Master Plan (STMP) for Abu Dhabi following installation of four toll gates on major bridges, in a move set to reduce traffic congestion and raise the efficiency of the local transport sector. The next phase of the registration process in the toll system for company vehicles and fleets will be announced in the near future.

The toll system registration is obligatory for anyone who wishes to use roads leading to Abu Dhabi. Registration can be carried out through the DoT website, https://dot.gov.abudhabi, clicking on the toll system button and selecting the registration page, following the necessary steps using the Emirates ID.

All vehicles registered in Abu Dhabi before Oct.15 will be automatically registered in the toll system without any charges. Users will receive a text message on the mobile number as registered with Abu Dhabi Police, along with the account details.

Any vehicle that is registered in Abu Dhabi after Oct.15 should be added to the toll account by the user who then pays a registration fee of Dhs100 per vehicle (Dhs50 registration fee and Dhs50 to be credited to the account).

For non-Abu Dhabi registered vehicle owners, users must log into their accounts and register manually via the website and add their vehicle/s and pay the registration fee of Dhs100 per vehicle (Dhs50 as registration fee and Dhs50 to be credited to the account) before crossing the toll gates.