Gulf Construction Online - $191m deal awarded Water Canal phases

UAE Focus

$191m deal awarded Water Canal phases

01 July 2016

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded a Dh703-million ($191 million) contract for the construction of the fourth and fifth phases of the Dubai Water Canal.

The project is a unique tourist landmark offering a new lifestyle pattern in the heart of the city and the two sides of the canal linking the Dubai Creek with the Arabian Gulf. The canal has a length of 3 km, a width ranging from 80 to 120 m, and a depth of up to 6 m with the tide. Bridges crossing the canal rise more than 8 m, allowing 24-hour free navigation in the canal, which will add 6 km to the Dubai waterfront.

According to the RTA, the project, which involves the setting up of three marine transport stations along with major infrastructure upgrade, is due for completion by the end of September.

Phase Four of the Dubai Water Canal, which costs about Dh307 million ($84 million), is part of infrastructural works required to serve property development areas on both sides of the canal, including roads and utility lines.

The canal stretches 3.2 km from Business Bay Canal up to the Arabian Gulf via Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Wasl Road and Jumeirah Road.

Phase Five of the project, which costs about Dh396 million ($108 million), would link the Business Bay Canal with the Dubai Water Canal terminating at the Arabian Gulf. Works include building precast concrete quay walls, and completing and diverting utility lines and key services to give way for completing the construction works of the canal as well as the removal of impacted services. Works also include the treatment of the water of the Business Bay lakes and removing sand barriers in the course of the canal.

Meanwhile, 92 per cent of the bridge work on Sheikh Zayed Road as part of the canal project has been completed, said RTA chairman Mattar Al Tayer.

The RTA has opened the northern bridge while the southbound bridge is expected to open this month (July).

Phase One comprises the construction of a bridge of eight lanes in each direction on Sheikh Zayed Road.

Phase Two includes the construction of bridges on Al Wasl and Jumeirah roads, which are 86 per cent complete.

More than 75 per cent of Phase Three has been finished, and works are well under way to complete the quay walls, protect the utility lines, divert sewage lines, build a sewage pumping plant, and construct a coastal breakwater.