Tunnel vision is eye opener for Abu Dhabi motorists

November

The opening of the Dh800 million Bainunah tunnel and roadwork project was one of the major infrastructure milestones achieved by the Department of Transport (DoT) in Abu Dhabi.

It tripled capacity to 3,000 vehicles an hour to meet demand caused by new commercial outlets and thousands of new residents.

The 240-metre long, 5.5-metre tall Etihad Tunnel connects traffic from the Corniche to Etihad Towers, while the 750-metre long Bainunah Tunnel is at the junction of Bainunah (34th street), Sultan bin Zayed Street (32nd street) and Hazza Bin Zayed Street (11th street).

Earlier this month, the DoT announced plans to install 160 new bus shelters in Abu Dhabi city, 80 at cities across Al Gharbia and 120 in Al Ain.

The building phase of the Dh100 million project will begin in four to six weeks. There were 35 million passengers using a bus in the first half of 2012, up from 34 million in the first half of 2011.

The department is on track to hit its target of 67 million this year.