Sharjah's Public Works Department has launched an estimated AED 2,000 million ($545 million) major road construction and upgrade programme aimed at alleviating growing congestion.

Bids are due in early May for a further contract on the upgrade of Al-Wahda road. The estimated AED 320 million ($87 million) package involves the construction of an interchange for local traffic and an overpass at King Abdul- Aziz junction, a new interchange and flyover next to the gold souk and an upgrade of the Cultural Square interchange, including an overpass onto Airport road and a 175-metre underpass for through traffic on the Al-Wahda-Dhaid road. The local Sharjah General Contracting (SGC) is working on the first stage of the scheme - the upgrade of King Faisal interchange (MEED 22:4:05).

Tender documents are expected by early April for the second package on the AED 420 million ($114 million) upgrade of the east-west link on King Abdul- Aziz road from University City to Layyah. The contract covers the upgrade of the road through the industrial areas to Al-Wasit road, where there will be a new interchange. Another two contracts are planned on the programme.

An AED 200 million ($54 million) upgrade of all junctions on Al-Wasit road is also planned. It includes the grade separation of all junctions, the widening of the junction with King Abdul- Aziz road and the construction of a cloverleaf interchange near Cultural Square. Plans are at the early design stage for an estimated AED 440 million ($120 million) upgrade and extension of Al-Arouba road from Al-Wasit power station on the Ajman border to the Al-Mamzar area of Dubai.

Tenders are also due to be released for an early earthworks package on the estimated AED 500 million ($135 million) Shays-Khor Fakkan highway project. The project involves a five-kilometre-long dual-carriageway bored tunnel through the Hajar mountains. The UK's Halcrow is the consultant on all schemes.