DM eyes overhaul of Al-Sufouh

09 September 2005
Dubai Municipality (DM) has unveiled plans for a comprehensive transport system for the Al-Sufouh district of Dubai. The move is seen as a pre-emptive measure to avoid transport mayhem in what will be one of Dubai's most congested areas. The district houses the majority of the emirate's beach hotels, including the Burj al-Arab and Madinat Jumeirah, as well as Dubai Media City (DMC) and Knowledge Village, and will see the number of residents increase to more than 100,000 once the Dubai Marina, the Palm and Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) residential projects are completed (MEED 26:8:05).

Although still in its early stages, the plan is divided into various components, ranging from a tram system to more interchanges, tunnels, roads and flyovers. The tramway will entail the construction of a line running for about 11 kilometres, possibly from the Burj al-Arab Dubai Light Rail (DLR) station to the JBR. It is also likely to connect to a second station on the DLR. Total project costs for the tramway system are likely to exceed $200 million.

DM also plans to build two more interchanges in the Al-Sufouh area of Sheikh Zayed highway in addition to the reconstruction of the Dubai Marina interchange, for which the local Wade Adams Contracting was awarded the 20-month contract in early July. Plans also entail construction of bridges and tunnels giving access to JBR and Dubai Marina from Al-Sufouh road as well as providing more access to the DMC district. France's MVA Systrais working on the transport masterplan for the Al-Sufouh area.

The plan is the latest effort by DM to improve deteriorating traffic conditions in the emirate. The joint venture of South Africa's Africonand the local Al-Burj Engineering Consultantsis carrying out a nine-month masterplan for Dubai's road and transport systems, while UK-based Maunsellis developing a comprehensive water-based public transport system masterplan for Dubai and Sharjah. DM has also invited consultants to purchase terms of reference by 5 September for the eight-month Dubai Parking Control System study.

www.meed.com/transport

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