2009-12-16 20:54:23
Abu Dhabi, 16 Dec 2009 (WAM) - The Municipality of Abu Dhabi City announced the full closure of Al Salam Street on both directions in front of the municipality building. This major traffic change will take effect on Friday, 18 December. During the press gathering attended by project managers and a group of officials and consultants, it was also announced that a number of alternative routes will be opened in line with the road closure.

This step is considered a key stage in the development of Al Salam Street and the Eastern Ring Road, specifically in building the Al Salam tunnel. Officials declared that construction work is going within schedule and there are no major problems hindering the project workflow. The full closure of the area is expected to last until the completion of construction work by the end of 2010.

Municipality of Abu Dhabi City is keen on making things easier for road users by opening alternative routes. Traffic has been diverted from the closed part of Al Salam Street towards outbound Abu Dhabi, Street No. 10 towards the Bank of Ras Al Khaimah, and the Naval Base going towards outside the city. Street No. 9 in front of Abu Dhabi Mall towards Al Mina is now open to traffic. Drivers coming from the Eastern Ring Road towards the Port Area can turn right before the intersection which links Al Salam Street and the Eastern Ring Road with Al Falah Street to get to the city center and the Tourist Club, or use Arabian Gulf Street as an alternative route.

ADM also planned a network of internal roads to service the local area between the Navy Base at the Palace Restaurant until the intersection with Route 9. There are paths to serve local traffic on streets in the Abu Dhabi Mall area, which run in one direction to the Port Area and Corniche.

It should be also noted that ADM has taken a number of important measures to ease problems that may result from the closure of Al Salam Street such as adjusting the timing of traffic signals at the busiest areas and constantly conducting field surveys. ADM has also placed more signs to alert drivers to alternative routes, in addition to changing the direction of some intersections, and identifying new diversion routes to better facilitate traffic. A specialized technical team that operates full time in the control rooms has been established in the municipality to monitor the status of the road, follow all developments and evaluate traffic situations, in addition to the installation of pedestrian bridges.

The project is one of the largest infrastructure projects undertaken by the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City. Al Salam Street Projects are in line with Plan Abu Dhabi 2030, which is committed to providing the capital with integrated infrastructure according to international standards. This includes the development and modernization of the road network and transportation in order to cope with Abu Dhabi's urban and population growth, and to position the city as one of the major capitals of the world.

ADM thanks the residents of Abu Dhabi City for their continued support and patience during the project implementation. Motorists are urged to follow speed limits as well as respect traffic laws for their own safety. Pedestrians are reminded to use designated crossing areas to avoid accidents.

WAM/MAB