Yas Island works on track for Abu Dhabi F1 race

Infrastructure for Yas Island phase one is in the final stages and on schedule to be completed for Abu Dhabi’s F1 race day, Aldar Properties has announced.

All building works for infrastructure, which will support the eagerly awaited Grand Prix race, due to take place November 1, have been completed and are now being tested and commissioned.

“People don’t realise the amount of infrastructure that has been invested in this project because it is all behind the scenes,” said Aldar Properties director of planning and infrastructure Talal Al Dhiyebi in comments published by Construction Week Online.

“The networks will be able support all developments on the island and cater to future projects.”

Nine bridges and one underpass have been built in Abu Dhabi to allow access to both sides of Yas Island, which is bisected by the dual five-lane Shahama-Saadiyat Freeway, which crosses the middle of Yas Island.

A second point of entry lies southwards, closer to the F1 track, via a 1.125KM-long tunnel, which is expected to improve connections to the Al Raha Beach development.

“We designed a tunnel, which goes underwater. This created a challenge because we not only had to complete it but make time to reopen the channel, to allow access to the marina, before race day,” explained Dhiyebi.

Signage and traffic lights have now been implemented on the roads.

Utilities at the development are also complete, including a 132KV substation, a portable water tank, and a gas line, which connects to three pressure-reducing stations on the Island.

According to Aldar, demobilisation of construction works is now taking place before visitors make their way onto the island.

Seven thousand staff have also moved to Abu Dhabi in preparation for the opening of seven hotels including Aldar’s Yas Hotel, which will be open from race day onwards.

The Federation Internationale de l’Automobile will make its final checks at the Formula One Grounds on September 1.

Ferrari World is next on the agenda for Aldar Properties and is expected to be completed in mid-2010.

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