Urban Planning Council Demonstrates Progress on Abu Dhabi Plan 2030
The Urban Planning Council (UPC) of Abu Dhabi held a press conference today to showcase the milestones achieved on the Shahama - Saadiyat highway, which will link Abu Dhabi Island, Shahama through Yas and Saadiyat Island.
As the capital enters its next phase of development and regeneration, it is critical that there is cooperation at every level to address the infrastructure requirements that the development will create. Working in conjunction with the private sector including ALDAR, Tourism Development & Invesment Company (TDIC), as well as the Department of Transport, UPC has quickly formed a consortium of experts to construct the Shahama - Saadiyat highway, which is expected to be completed in summer 2009.
"It is a central element of our mandate to ensure that the Abu Dhabi Plan 2030 is delivered in a structured and coordinated way - we are delighted to be here today to demonstrate some concrete examples of our progress to date alongside our partners," commented Falah Al Ahbabi, general manager of the UPC.
"Under the Chairmanship of General Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Chairman of the Executive Council, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the UPC is committed to working alongside partners from the public and private sectors to ensure the highest quality in delivering this comprehensive plan, which will position Abu Dhabi as one of the leading cities in the world." The project is being supervised by ALDAR and TDIC. Six Construct Company and Taisei Corporation will be leading construction work. Design for the ten lane highway, and an incorporated bridge, was by Halcrow International. The entire project is expected to cost Dh1.83bn.
"The Department of Transport is currently preparing a Surface Transport Master Plan, to provide a blueprint for all modes of transport in the context of UPC's Plan 2030," commented Faisal Ahmed Al Suwaidi, Excutive Director of Highways, Department of Transport, Abu Dhabi.
"Linking the central business district (known as CBD), Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, Al Raha and the airport, this highway will relieve congestion in the Salam Street corridor. Moreover, its design makes provision for future mass transit options in the central median. Working closely with the private sector from the start has resulted in a streamlined and efficient project. We expect to see similar public-private partnerships in the future." The Department of Transport outlined a number of policy initiatives during the conference, including measures to promote public-private partnerships. Strategies for highway, maritime, civil aviation and public transport are being integrated by the Department, to improve efficiency, safety, convenience and reduce environmental impact.
"TDIC is firmly committed to supporting the UPC in its role of overseeing the implementation of Plan Abu Dhabi 2030," commented Ahmed Hussein, Chief Operating Officer,, TDIC.
"We have already begun constructive dialogue with the Council to ensure our plans and goals are firmly aligned to the overarching aim of delivering an outstanding, global capital with an active, diversified economy." "Abu Dhabi's tourism infrastructure is being developed at a considered pace with quality and sustainability as its core ethos. TDIC's developments are designed to assist delivery of ADTA's aims of attracting a discerning, up-scale visitor base which demands, and appreciates, the highest quality of accommodation and attractions and has a high propensity for repeat visitation. Saadiyat Island is our flagship project and epitomizes our long-term approach to creating a destination of truly global standing." "A collective approach to construction procurement from across the public and private sectors, ensures that international best practices and user concerns are in-line with the bigger picture of the Abu Dhabi Plan 2030 from an early stage," commented Mohamed Al Mubarak, Director of Estates & Infrastructure, ALDAR.
"We are committed to fostering trust, transparency and openness in all of our projects, and working with this team has enabled a smooth process to date, and undoubted success in the future." The first phase will consist of building the new interchange in Shahama, a 7km road and a bridge that links this interchange to Yas Island. The second phase will include building three suspended bridges linking Yas Island with Saadiyat Island through Fahd and Jubail Islands, along with a 14 km road to link these bridges. The construction of the suspended bridge construction linking Saadiyat Island with Abu Dhabi Island has already commenced. The new freeway will not only provide improved access to Abu Dhabi Island, Yas and Saadiyat, but will have the added benefit of streamlining traffic through the area.
The three major interchanges comprise of 20 post tensioned box girder bridges, spanning 270 metres long and up to 35 metres wide and six kilometres of associated carriageway construction, which includes half a million cubic metres of embankment fill and utility diversions. The work will be carried out over the existing Sh. Maktoum Bin Rashid Road and will be completed within the next 18 months. Source
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As the capital enters its next phase of development and regeneration, it is critical that there is cooperation at every level to address the infrastructure requirements that the development will create. Working in conjunction with the private sector including ALDAR, Tourism Development & Invesment Company (TDIC), as well as the Department of Transport, UPC has quickly formed a consortium of experts to construct the Shahama - Saadiyat highway, which is expected to be completed in summer 2009.
"It is a central element of our mandate to ensure that the Abu Dhabi Plan 2030 is delivered in a structured and coordinated way - we are delighted to be here today to demonstrate some concrete examples of our progress to date alongside our partners," commented Falah Al Ahbabi, general manager of the UPC.
"Under the Chairmanship of General Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Chairman of the Executive Council, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the UPC is committed to working alongside partners from the public and private sectors to ensure the highest quality in delivering this comprehensive plan, which will position Abu Dhabi as one of the leading cities in the world." The project is being supervised by ALDAR and TDIC. Six Construct Company and Taisei Corporation will be leading construction work. Design for the ten lane highway, and an incorporated bridge, was by Halcrow International. The entire project is expected to cost Dh1.83bn.
"The Department of Transport is currently preparing a Surface Transport Master Plan, to provide a blueprint for all modes of transport in the context of UPC's Plan 2030," commented Faisal Ahmed Al Suwaidi, Excutive Director of Highways, Department of Transport, Abu Dhabi.
"Linking the central business district (known as CBD), Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, Al Raha and the airport, this highway will relieve congestion in the Salam Street corridor. Moreover, its design makes provision for future mass transit options in the central median. Working closely with the private sector from the start has resulted in a streamlined and efficient project. We expect to see similar public-private partnerships in the future." The Department of Transport outlined a number of policy initiatives during the conference, including measures to promote public-private partnerships. Strategies for highway, maritime, civil aviation and public transport are being integrated by the Department, to improve efficiency, safety, convenience and reduce environmental impact.
"TDIC is firmly committed to supporting the UPC in its role of overseeing the implementation of Plan Abu Dhabi 2030," commented Ahmed Hussein, Chief Operating Officer,, TDIC.
"We have already begun constructive dialogue with the Council to ensure our plans and goals are firmly aligned to the overarching aim of delivering an outstanding, global capital with an active, diversified economy." "Abu Dhabi's tourism infrastructure is being developed at a considered pace with quality and sustainability as its core ethos. TDIC's developments are designed to assist delivery of ADTA's aims of attracting a discerning, up-scale visitor base which demands, and appreciates, the highest quality of accommodation and attractions and has a high propensity for repeat visitation. Saadiyat Island is our flagship project and epitomizes our long-term approach to creating a destination of truly global standing." "A collective approach to construction procurement from across the public and private sectors, ensures that international best practices and user concerns are in-line with the bigger picture of the Abu Dhabi Plan 2030 from an early stage," commented Mohamed Al Mubarak, Director of Estates & Infrastructure, ALDAR.
"We are committed to fostering trust, transparency and openness in all of our projects, and working with this team has enabled a smooth process to date, and undoubted success in the future." The first phase will consist of building the new interchange in Shahama, a 7km road and a bridge that links this interchange to Yas Island. The second phase will include building three suspended bridges linking Yas Island with Saadiyat Island through Fahd and Jubail Islands, along with a 14 km road to link these bridges. The construction of the suspended bridge construction linking Saadiyat Island with Abu Dhabi Island has already commenced. The new freeway will not only provide improved access to Abu Dhabi Island, Yas and Saadiyat, but will have the added benefit of streamlining traffic through the area.
The three major interchanges comprise of 20 post tensioned box girder bridges, spanning 270 metres long and up to 35 metres wide and six kilometres of associated carriageway construction, which includes half a million cubic metres of embankment fill and utility diversions. The work will be carried out over the existing Sh. Maktoum Bin Rashid Road and will be completed within the next 18 months. Source
