Bida Al Mutawwa to Um Al Ashtan Road Upgrade, Abu Dhabi

Project Introduction

The Bida Al Mutawwa to Um Al Ashtan Road project is a transformative transport infrastructure upgrade in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi. The existing 11 km road corridor, a 2 lanes undivided carriageway, will be upgraded to a dual-divided carriageway to enhance traffic flow and improve safety. The corridor spans from the intersection of Bida Al Mutaw’ah Road and Al Bidou Street in the east to the intersection of Al Rikayyah Street and Um Al Ashtan Road in the west, approximately 27 km west of Ghiyathi town.

Challenges

The main challenge of the project was ensuring the upgraded dual-lane carriageway could accommodate future traffic demand without disrupting existing operations. Comprehensive traffic analysis was required for multiple time horizons, including the 2023 base year, 2025 opening year, 2030 horizon year, and 2040 horizon year, covering AM, IP, and PM peak hours. Additionally, maintaining acceptable Levels of Service (LOS) across all junctions within the study area required careful planning.

Solution

A thorough Transport Infrastructure Planning Study was conducted to assess the existing road conditions and forecast future traffic demands. Traffic analysis for all assessment years confirmed that the proposed dual-lane carriageway and junction designs would operate at acceptable LOS without requiring mitigation measures. The design facilitates smooth traffic flow, ensuring long-term functionality and operational efficiency. Securing ITC approval validated the project’s alignment with regional transport goals. This upgrade will enhance connectivity, safety, and capacity, contributing to the sustainable development of the Western Region’s transport network.