Abu Dhabi to build first environmentally friendly road in Middle East

The 5-kilometre pilot project will link the existing Abu Dhabi to Dubai main road to the new main road between the emirates (E311) - construction is expected to begin in 2015.

Abu Dhabi is to build the first environmentally friendly road in the Middle East, the Department of Transport announced on Monday.

The 5-kilometre pilot project will link the existing Abu Dhabi to Dubai main road (E11) to the new main road between the emirates (E311). Work is due to begin in the first quarter of 2015.

The project will be a model for future roads in Abu Dhabi, and will support the highest sustainable practices adopted worldwide, according to the department.

These practices include the use of technologies to lower carbon emissions and produce environmentally friendly building materials such as recycled asphalt, concrete aggregates and scrap rubber tyres.

Renewable energy will be used for lighting, while the building materials will ensure the highest levels of safety for vehicles, resulting in lower maintenance and running costs.

The project is in line with the department's Surface Transport Master Plan, which aims to improve and expand motorways.

Traffic will not be affected during the work thanks to several planned detours, the department said.

The department is collaborating with the Urban Planning Council, the Estidama initiative, the Environment Agency and Masdar.

Once the work is finished, the department will evaluate the outcome to improve the guidelines and create a rating system for future roads in the emirate.