US-based Parsons International has been selected by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to provide infrastructure design services for the Dubai Water Canal project.

The Dubai Water Canal development includes a new shopping centre, hotels, and restaurants, in addition to luxury housing and cycling paths. It will also include public places and facilities, as well as private marinas for boats and a new trade centre at the canal’s entrance.

In March, a joint venture of Parsons and Halcrow, which is part of US-based CH2M Hill was appointed by the RTA to supervise the construction of the Dubai Water Canal.

The scope of work for that contract includes elevating three major roads in Dubai, relocating utilities, and constructing the 2.8-kilometre-long Dubai Water Canal.

The project is split into three construction contracts, and Parsons is responsible for construction supervision of the first two packages related to the roads and bridges, while Halcrow will be responsible for the third package of canal excavation and marine works.

The first phase of the project includes elevating Sheikh Zayed Road (six lanes in each direction) and relocating utilities using micro tunnelling to facilitate the canal construction.

In October 2013, Turkish contractor Gunal is building the first phase, China State Construction Engineering Corporation is working on the second phase, and the local/Belgian Belhasa Six Construct has been awarded the contract for the third phase.