A new bridge has been opened on Abu Dhabi Al Ain Road (E22) connecting the Bani Yas East and West areas of the UAE capital, according to Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT).
The project includes the construction of the upper intersection linking east and west Bani Yas, associated roads, the transformation of the current East Bani Yas roundabout into a light signal intersection, and the construction of pedestrian ramps.
In addition, the project involved demolishing existing pedestrian tunnels, transporting and protecting water and communication lines, irrigation lines, and the sewage line, as well as street lighting and the electricity distribution network, said DMT in its statement.
The new bridge will significantly improve traffic flow to and from Bani Yas and other nearby areas. The travel time between East and West Baniyas has been reduced from 11 minutes to just 3 minutes, benefiting the local residents, it stated.
The interchange has the capacity to accommodate around 1400 vehicles per hour traveling from E22 Abu Dhabi / Al Ain and 1100 vehicles per hour traveling from East or West Baniyas, it added.
The bridge was inaugurated by DMT Chairman Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa at a key ceremony attended by Dr. Salem Khalfan Al Kaabi, Director-General of Operational Affairs at DMT, Saif Badr Al Qubaisi, Director-General of Abu Dhabi City Municipality, and Abdulla Al Marzouqi, Director-General of the Integrated Transport Centre, and other high-ranking officials.
Lauding the project, Al Kaabi said the new bridge was a significant milestone for the capital city, showcasing its commitment to modernity and progress.
It has been designed to improve traffic flow from East and West Bani Yas and nearby areas while adhering to the highest traffic safety standards.
Its innovative design and state-of-the-art features demonstrate Abu Dhabi's commitment to sustainable services and meeting society's expectations, boosting economic growth in the process, he noted.
According to Al Qubaisi, the bridge is a crucial part of Abu Dhabi City Municipality's strategic plans to enhance infrastructure systems and accommodate an expected increase in population and road users.
The new bridge, he stated, underscores the municipality's dedication to continuously improving and developing critical infrastructure components on Abu Dhabi Island and the mainland.
The interchange boasts CCTV system, traffic lights, pedestrian signs, fibre optic cables, and connectivity to the Abu Dhabi Traffic Management Centre, along with the implementation of natural cosmetics, sanitation, and speed camera transmissions, he added.
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