Dubai to spend $985m on road, transport works

09/02/2014 14:16 AST

Dubai’s Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) will spend Dh3.62 billion ($985 million) on 99 projects this year, it has been revealed.

RTA chairman Mattar Al Tayer said the total expenditure budget approved for the RTA in 2014 was Dh7.036 billion and this included operational budget of Dh3.156 billion and capital and projects spending of Dh3.88 billion.

“The aggregate anticipated revenue for this year is Dh5 billion, marking a 17 per cent increase over last year’s budget. The approved projects budget is estimated at Dh3.62 billion which will be allocated for constructing around 99 projects comprising 50 new projects to be undertaken in roads, marine transport and public transport sector and 49 projects currently under way,” said Al Tayer.

Detailing the budget distribution, Al Tayer said: “36pc of the budget will be allocated to the Traffic and Roads Agency, 33pc will go to the Rail Agency, 13pc to the Public Transport Agency, 17pc to be shared between the Licensing Agency, Administrative Support Services Sector, and Technical Support Services Sector, and 1pc to the remaining agencies.”

In 2014 the RTA will complete the construction of several projects currently underway, and undertake a host of new projects.

Among the projects to be completed this year is the Dubai Tram, which has a track extending 11 km along Al Sufouh Street and the initial phase of the project is expected to be opened in November this year.

By the end of this year the RTA will award a contract for the construction of Etihad Bridge near the Dubai Creek Park. Etihad Bridge, which will replace the existing Floating Bridge, comprises 12 lanes (6 in each direction), in addition to a footpath in each direction. It measures 61.6 meters in width and has an arch that rises 100 meters. The bridge is set to provide free traffic movement in all directions and will allow free navigation around the clock as it rises 15 meters above the Creek water level and has a 400 meter-wide navigation line enabling the passage of bulky ships underneath.

“The RTA will complete the construction of internal road projects in residential areas in accordance with the Five Year Plan (2012 – 2016) where a budget of Dh234 million is allocated for constructing internal roads in a number of residential communities in Dubai,” he said.

Trade Arabia