Abu Dhabi: A major upgrade for the Mafraq-Ghuweifat highway — the main route that connects the UAE to Saudi Arabia — has recently been completed, and is now open to vehicular traffic.
The Dh5.3 billion upgrade covered a
“This is the most commonly used route by freight traffic for coming
The project, which commenced in March 2014, was undertaken by the Department in collaboration with
One of the major new improvements was an increase in the number of lanes in either direction. The two-lane carriageways are now at least three-lane wide over the
“This increase in capacity should help ease the congestion during peak morning hours,” another Department official told Gulf News during the tour.
The works were carried out in six construction packages, and also included the set-up of 16 new interchanges. Existing interchanges at Mafraq, Hameem, Abu Al Abyad and Madinat Zayed were also enhanced.
At the same time, the highway is now fully lit with LED lamps, which will help reduce fog-related risks. The overall asphalt level of the road has also been raised, and its drainage network improved, in order to prevent water accumulation.
In addition to the construction of lay-bys and hard shoulders for road users, the upgraded highway also has petrol stations in two new locations, namely near Barakah and Mirfa.
Camel underpasses have also been set up near Al Silaa and Ghuweifat so that farmers and camel owners can ensure the safe passage of camels.The transport official added that more construction is currently underway to further enhance the UAE’s road network.
“Another