ABU DHABI 25 January 2018: Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, yesterday inaugurated the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Highway, in the presence of Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Department of Transport.
Sheikh Hamdan announced that the highway, costing Dh5.3 billion and constructed by the Abu Dhabi General Services Company, Musanada, under the supervision of the Abu Dhabi Transport Department, carries the name of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in recognition and appreciation of his role in leading the UAE’s journey of giving, which has enabled it to occupy a prominent position among the world’s countries, said Wam.
The road upgrade was undertaken in several phases, covering 246 kilometres of the 327-kilometre highway, to significantly ease congestion and weather-related hazards for motorists.
The project entailed increasing the number of lanes from two-lane carriageway is now at least three lanes wide over the 64-kilometre stretch from Barakah to Ghuwaifat, and up to four lanes wide in the182 kilometres that span from Mafraq to Baynounah Forests. Each lane can accommodate a maximum of 2,500 vehicles per hour.
A total of 15 other new interchanges have also been constructed, and existing interchanges at Mafraq, Hameem, Abu Al Abyad and Madinat Zayed have been enhanced. At the same time, the highway is now fully lit with LED lamps in order to increase visibility and reduce fog-related risks. The overall asphalt level of the road has also been raised, and its drainage improved in order to prevent water accumulation.
For motorist convenience, lay-bys and hard shoulders have been established, and there are petrol stations at two new locations, near Barakah and Mirfa.
Camel underpasses have also been set up near Al Sila and Ghuwaifat so that farmers and camel owners can ensure the safe passage of camels.
The inauguration was also attended by Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Director of East Asia and Pacific Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Flight, Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Infrastructure Development, Dr. Sultan bin Ahmad Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State, Sheikhs, senior officials and dignitaries.