On Behalf of

Business and Finance club - Sharjah - Real Estate: The 1.8km-long Al Wahda bridge in Sharjah will be ready for motorists this Saturday, it was announced on Wednesday.

Al Wahda Street Bridge is part of the Directorate of Public Works' efforts to cope with the urban development of the emirate that was constructed at a total cost of Dh841 million, which includes the tunnel at Cultural Square and the intersection at Humaid Bin Saqr Al Qasimi Roundabout, commonly known as the Flying Saucer Roundabout.

Engineer Shaikh Khalid Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of the Sharjah Executive Council and Director General of Directorate of Public Works, announced that the opening of the bridge is an initiative aimed to contribute to the development of infrastructure and of the basic services in Sharjah.

"The Al Wahda Street Project is one of the largest projects carried out by the department and will contribute positively in easing traffic congestion for motorists going into other emirates, as well as into Sharjah," he said.

The viaduct bridge at Al Yarmook area near the Gold Centre, which is 1800m long, will be opened this Saturday while the road under the bridge will be opened next month.

"More than 250,000 cars circulate around Sharjah and the project was very challenging to complete within the scheduled timing as we have to divert motorists to alternative routes without affecting the traffic flow," said Shaikh Khalid.

The viaduct is comprised of two lanes in each direction and will be used by motorists heading to and from Al Dhaid Road, while the road under the bridge comprises of three lanes in each direction.

Shaikh Khalid said the construction of the bridge was slightly delayed as officials wanted to ensure that it met the basic international safety standards, which is important since it will provide a high rate of road safety for motorists in all directions.