Wait over for residents as Umm Al Quwain Gate opens

The UAQ Gate project is expected to improve traffic flow on Etihad Road for drivers heading to or coming from the emirates of Ajman, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah.

 After a wait of almost 18 months, residents of Umm Al Quwain may breathe a sigh of relief after the much-needed entrance of the emirate officially opened on Sunday. 
The Minister of Infrastructure Development, Dr Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, has, however, said that a few works, which have nothing to do with the traffic flow, are expected to be completed next month.
"The mega project, earlier known as the Etihad roundabout or intersection, is an arterial connection between the emirates of Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah."
The UAQ Gate, which also connects the UAQ city with Falaj Al Mualla area, involves the construction of six new bridges, worth Dh150 million. "The massive project, which started in the first quarter of 2015, is expected to give a boost to the performance of the federal roads network in terms of safety."
The ministry, in a bid to ease traffic congestion due to the construction and development works, had built a 1km-long alternative road, Dr Nuaimi said.
The new bridges connect the entrance of the emirate with highways No 311 and 611, he elaborated. "The six new bridges include two main ones, each of which consists of two lanes in each direction, added to two surface subways, as well as ring and slide roads that connect the emirate with the Etihad and UAQ-Falaj Al Mualla roads."
The project will enhance traffic flow to and from the emirate of Umm Al Quwain, Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed road, and Falaj Al Mualla, he pointed out.
"A significant improvement is also expected in traffic flow on the Etihad road for drivers heading to or coming from the emirates of Ajman, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah."
A pedestrian crossing is also being constructed, Dr Nuaimi said.
Official studies show that the major intersection of the emirate of Umm Al Quwain is expected to see a significant growth of 5.3 per cent in terms of the number of users every year.
"This means a seven per cent increase in the number of intersection users on an annual basis with effect from 2018," he said. "This is basically due to the sustainable development projects being carried out in the region."
The intersection was reportedly a main spot of congestion with the incessant expansion of the emirate, Dr Nuaimi said. "Therefore, it was necessary to develop the entrance of the emirate and curb repetitive traffic knots." 
The ministry is also to build three rest areas for heavy trucks on the Emirates road and the Dhaid - Sharjah road to give them more space during ban time.
The project
> The mega project was earlier known as the Etihad roundabout
> Involves six new bridges, worth Dh150 million
> Six bridges include two main ones, each consisting of two lanes in each direction
> New bridges connect entrance of the emirate with highways No 311 and 611
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com