Masdar City

Project Description

Masdar City, located in Abu Dhabi, is a pioneering sustainable urban development designed to be carbon-neutral and powered by renewable energy. It integrates cutting-edge green technologies, energy-efficient design, and smart transportation to reduce environmental impact. The city serves as a global hub for innovation in sustainability, housing research institutions, clean tech companies, and the Masdar Institute, making it a model for future eco-friendly urban developments. Trublu was commissioned to undertake the Stage 3 RSA for the main boulevard road around Masdar City, external road connections and Masdar Park consisting of over 12 signalised intersections.

Challenge

The key challenges included ensuring pedestrian safety and mitigating risks associated with areas shared by vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. Limited illumination along the cycle track and footpaths presented potential hazards, particularly during nighttime use. Obstructions along the footpath further posed risks to pedestrian mobility and accessibility. Additional challenges included ensuring the safe operation of signalized junctions, as much of the road infrastructure had to be retrofitted and the need for traffic calming measures to control vehicle speeds and enhance safety in high-pedestrian zones.

Solution

To address these challenges, several safety enhancements were proposed and implemented even post construction focussing on soft improvement measures. Improved illumination was recommended along the cycle track and footpaths to ensure visibility and safety. Obstructions on footpaths were recommended to be cleared to provide unobstructed pedestrian access. Signalised junctions and roundabouts were assessed for modification to optimize safety. Traffic calming measures, such as dropped kerbs, speed humps, and signage, were recommended to reinforce the 30 km/h speed limit and encourage cautious driving.