Sharjah Ruler unveils new direct road connections linking Sharjah and Dubai.
SHARJAH: His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has announced a series of projects to construct and upgrade internal and main roads linking Sharjah and Dubai, at a cost of Dh750 million.
Sheikh Sultan also noted that the Al Taawun Roundabout Monument, recently removed to make way for a new tunnel aimed at easing traffic between the two emirates, will be reinstated upon completion of the project, restoring its historical significance.
Engineers and designers tasked with assessing the site and examining the foundations beneath Al Taawun Roundabout found that the monument’s foundations extend underground and would interfere with the planned tunnel alignment.
Sheikh Dr Sultan also stated that Noor Road, which extends from Al Orooba Street into Dubai, is scheduled to be inaugurated by the end of this year.
Sheikh Sultan affirmed that Sharjah warmly welcomes its neighbours and extends a hospitable reception to all visitors.
Speaking during a telephone intervention on the “Direct Line” programme, the Ruler of Sharjah said the Al Taawun Roundabout Monument carries strong sentimental value for residents, but its temporary removal was necessary to enable key development works. He added that Al Taawun Road is an important corridor as it connects to Dubai.
“Therefore, it became necessary either to construct an elevated bridge over the monument or consider an alternative solution. We planned to build an underground tunnel with a dual carriageway extending to Dubai up to Al Nahda Bridge, but the presence of the monument posed a challenge. Engineers and designers were brought in to inspect the site and its foundations, and they found that the structure was firmly anchored in the ground and difficult to remove.”
Specialists indicated that it would be possible to redesign the road and restore the monument to its original location after completion of the project. Work is currently under way to implement this plan. The works affecting entry to and exit from Al Taawun Street will last for a short period, while engineers simultaneously redesign and reinstall the monument at its original site.
Sheikh Sultan added that the projects’ benefits are reflected in several key aspects, foremost among them the opening of a key corridor between Sharjah and Dubai, which will ease traffic flow on existing roads.
“Alongside this road, another route, ‘Al Noor Road’, is currently being developed. It extends directly from Al Orooba Street and connects into Dubai via Al Nahda Bridge, with completion scheduled by the end of this year.
Another advantage of the tunnel beneath Al Taawun Roundabout is that it will reduce pressure on the junction. It will also enable direct links from the roundabout to major roads such as Emirates Road and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road.
The Sharjah Ruler explained that directional signage will be installed along these routes to guide motorists to Expo Centre Sharjah, providing direct, uninterrupted access to its parking facilities.
He noted that the total cost of these development projects is Dh750 million, expressing confidence that the investment will benefit all road users.
“We are opening these internal areas to our neighbours. The Emirate of Sharjah is a welcoming place that embraces all who come to it,” Sheikh Sultan said.
He added: “Praise be to God, all the designs are in place and the project designer remains on site. These projects will give the Emirate of Sharjah a new level of openness. We hope everyone will enjoy a beautiful present while preserving cherished memories.”
