Work is progressing as per schedule on the Dh5.3-billion ($1.44 billion) Mafraq-Ghuwaifat International Highway project, which involves construction of 16 new upper interchanges and basic improvements to the existing interchanges, said a report, citing Abu Dhabi General Services Company (Musanada).

The project encompasses construction of new lanes in both directions, from two to four lanes in each direction along the 182-km-long section stretching from Mafraq until Baynounah Forest area, and from two to three lanes along the 64-km-long section from Baraka to Ghuwaifat, according to state news agency Wam.

The project also includes construction of lay-bys for road users. There will be two shoulders on both right sides of the road for emergencies, stated the report, citing a senior official.

"Work is in progress to construct a camel underpass close to Al Silaa and Ghuwaifat, serving camel owners in the areas surrounding the road and the camel race track close to Al Silaa area," remarked Saleh Al Shaiba Al Mazrouei, the acting road and infrastructure executive director.   

"There are roughly 8,500 consultants, engineers and labourers working on the six-package project which involves basic improvements to the 246-km-long interchanges, extending from Mafraq to the international borders with Saudi Arabia at Ghuwaifat, passing through the Al Ruwais industrial centre," he added.