Al Ain revamps roads to tourist hot spots

Al Ain Municipality has widened and refurbished roads in some of the city\'s tourist hot spots to handle the growing traffic. The development has given a new look to the areas and eased the lives of thousands of people who travel through the areas, which include Green Mubazzarah Park, Ayn Al Fayda and Sha\'ab Al Ghaf. The area, located in the foothills of Jebel Hafeet, witnesses a huge amount of traffic on national holidays and festive occasions such as Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha and the new year. The project was launched in April last year and cost Dh63 million, said Rashid Al Niyadi, the municipality\'s project manager, Internal Roads and Infrastructure. The project was in line with the municipality\'s pursuit of the development of infrastructure and traffic safety enhancement in tourist hot spots, he said. Al Niyadi said new developments include the expansion of single-lane roads to dual carriageways. There are now three lanes in each direction with street lights and a drainage system for storm water. Scenic beauty A new roundabout has also been constructed outside Green Mubazzarah Park and the roads have recently been opened for general traffic. The area was earlier infamous for long traffic queues and jams on festive occasions. People from all over the UAE and further afield visit Jebel Hafeet and its surrounding areas due to its scenic beauty and modern developments. \"The project has been developed by keeping in mind the future requirements and needs of pedestrians and bicycle riders,\" he said. The roads now provide swift and easy access. Al Niyadi said studies have shown a steady growth of traffic in the area. Around 5,000 vehicles have been using the roads on a daily basis and this volume is expected to reach 31,000 vehicles in 2020.