Abu Dhabi’s Department of Transport has invited contractors to prequalify by June 15 for design and construct contracts on a new road that will link Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The 78 kilometre-long road will run parallel to the existing Sheikh Rashid highway from the existing Emirates Road, which currently ends on the Abu Dhabi/Dubai border, to the Mussafah industrial area close to Abu Dhabi island.

The project will be split into three contracts and contractors will be allowed to bid for one, two or all three of the packages.

UK-based consultant Hyder has prepared the concept design for the scheme.

Sheikh Rashid highway is the only highway currently linking Abu Dhabi and Dubai and in recent years there has been a dramatic increase in traffic on the road as Dubai-based companies secure more work in Abu Dhabi.

Emirates Road runs from the Northern emirate of Ras al-Khaimah linking it along with the emirates of Umm al-Quwain, Ajman and Sharjah with Dubai.