AJMAN // The Al Humaidiya bridge, one of the largest in this emirate, and all roads around it are to be closed for 18 months amid a Dh250 million redevelopment project.
The closure will allow for the construction of a new bridge and a series of access roads. The old span will be shut down as of 5am on Friday, said Lt Col Shuaib al Nuaimi, the Ajman police director of operations, yesterday.
The disruption is likely to put additional strain on an already crowded local roads network. Authorities were working to put additional traffic lights and cameras on the alternate routes in the area to help with traffic flow. Police patrols will also be stepped up.
“We want maximum co-operation from drivers not to make these alternative roads congested,” Lt Col al Nuaimi said. “Anyone with a minor accident should get out of the way and wait for police as we shall be fining those disrupting the traffic flow.”
Roads leading to the bridge that would be partly closed include the Sheikh Zayed Road going towards Sharjah’s Wasit Road and the Sheikh Khalifa Road going towards the Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Road.
Lt Col al Nuaimi advised drivers heading towards Sharjah, Umm al Qawain or the Hamriya Free Zone to use the Emirates Road, which runs in close proximity to the bridge, as an alternative. Police will add patrols there as necessary.
The cost of the project was confirmed by a spokesman for the Ministry of Public Works in Ajman.
ykakande@thenational.ae
