Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) said the work on the Dh404-million ($110 million) Airport Road upgradation project is progressing well and on track for completion by next year.

The project comprises the construction of bridges, tunnels at Al Rashidiya and Airport Road interchange with each of Casablanca Road, Marrakech Road and Nad Al Hamar Road, said a statement from RTA.

It also includes improving intersections and constructing a service road of three lanes in each direction to separate the traffic movement from and to Nad Al Hamar from the vehicular flow on Airport Road starting from Al Rashidiya Interchange up to Marrakech Interchange.

Once completed, the project will contribute to increasing the handling capacity of Airport Road by an extra 5,000 vehicles per hour, the RTA statement said.

It will also enhance the traffic safety level, and reduce the journey time on Airport Road from Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road to Casablanca Road from 30 minutes to five minutes, it added.

"It’s part of its plan to cater to the projected growth in the number of travellers passing through Dubai International Airport, which is expected to touch 92 million passengers by 2020," said Mattar Al Tayer, the executive director and chairman of the RTA board, while announcing its plans for the upcoming Dubai International Government Achievement Exhibition (DIGAE).

RTA will be showcasing a wide range of projects in the transport sector, in addition to its smart services and initiatives in the areas of innovation and creativity, at the event to be held from April 11 to 13.

The theme for the event will be ‘Local Government and Global Achievements’. The fourth edition will include partnerships between the many departments within the framework of providing innovative services and service for residents and visitors.

This exhibition will highlight integration among government departments to deliver quality services to customers, the public and enhance the level of happiness and satisfaction in these services in line with the vision of Dubai.

Elaborating on RTA’s adoption of innovation, smart transformation and sustainability in its projects and services, Al Tayer stated: "Innovation today is a global requirement, as the world’s strong economies are competing to adopt its concept and practices."

"This is because it is a key driver of the economic growth and an essential element in building a knowledge-based sustainable economy," he added.-TradeArabia News Service