Sharjah begins work on new Dhs140m bridge project

Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) announced that it started work on a new bridge project at the intersection of Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Street and Mleiha Street, as part of a strategic project with a total cost of around Dhs140 million.

This came as part of SRTA’s continuous efforts to develop the infrastructure and keep pace with the rapid urban and traffic growth witnessed by the emirate.

The project aims to enhance traffic flow, increase the capacity of the vital axis that connects a number of key areas in the emirate, improve traffic safety levels and provide sustainable solutions that meet the requirements of future development, SRTA said.

The project is expected to ease the movement of vehicles and reduce travel time, especially for those coming to and going to the University City and neighbouring areas, which will positively affect the efficiency of transportation and reduce traffic congestion.

As part of the project, a three-lane overpass, approximately 500 metres long, connecting Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Road and Mleiha Road will be constructed with a capacity of up to 4,000 vehicles per hour.

Surface roads with a total length of approximately 2.5 kilometres will also be built with three lanes in each direction and a capacity of up to 7,000 vehicles per hour in each direction.

The project also includes the development of Mleiha road and upgrading it to three lanes, which will enhance its capacity, improve the efficiency of traffic flow along the road and keep pace with the expected increase in the number of vehicles in the coming years.

Scheduled for completion within 12 months, the project was designed according to the latest systems and programmes specialising in traffic studies, ensuring the highest standards of safety and operational efficiency when completed, SRTA said.

SRTA is also working in co-ordination with the concerned entities to provide appropriate traffic diversions during the implementation period to ensure smooth traffic flow and minimise potential impact on road users.

The project is part of a package of strategic traffic projects currently being implemented by SRTA in all cities and regions of the emirate. These include the construction of 3 bridges on the border road, development of the University City bridge, implementation of the bridge leading to Al Hisn Island in Dibba Al Hisn City and a tunnel on Al Taawun Street.

The project followed the directives of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, aimed at developing the infrastructure and enhancing the efficiency of the emirate’s road and transport network in line with the rapid urban and population growth, said Eng. Yousef Khamis Al Othmani, Chairman of SRTA.