Yas Tunnel, which connects Al Raha Beach to Yas Island off Abu Dhabi’s coast, yesterday opened to the public.
The 1.1-kilometre, six-lane tunnel is 43 metres wide and has a height clearance of 4.5 metres, and connects key attractions on the island such as Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island Hotels and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi – which is set to open this month – to residential areas such as Al Bandar and Al Raha Gardens, and improves connection times to and from Abu Dhabi International Airport.
The tunnel was developed through an agreement between Abu Dhabi Urban planning Council (UPC) and Aldar Properties, Abu Dhabi’s biggest developer, and represents a key project in the UAE Capital’s Plan Capital 2030 economic development programme. Aldar, has now handed over the Yas Tunnel to the Department of Transport for future operation and maintenance.
“The tunnel is an integral component of Abu Dhabi’s Surface Transport Masterplan which will not only provide seamless connectivity to landmark projects on Yas Island, but will also reduce transit time for residents in nearby communities”, said Saood Al Junaibi, Director of Sustainable Development and Urban Design at the UPC.
Japan’s Taisei Corporation was the main contractor, and the company subcontracted Al Naboodah for the civil and structural work – concrete and back filling – and Al Nasr for the MEP work. The construction was finished ahead of schedule.
The tunnel was built in collaboration with the Department of Transport, and 27,000 tonnes of steel and 160,000m2 of concrete were used in the construction process. The tunnel also includes a nine metre-wide central cell provision for Light Rail Transit connections planned for future phases of the development.
Eng. Faisal Ahmed Al-Suwaidi, general director of main roads for the Department of Transport in Abu Dhabi, called the completion a “milestone” for the emirate’s transport infrastructure, and credited the public-private partnership
“This project highlights the close cooperation between the DoT and the private sector. Once handed the project from Aldar, DoT has endeavored to complete the surrounding Roads network for the tunnel on time in cooperation with its strategic partners and ensured to implement transport and safety control intelligent systems.”
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