Abu Dhabi is pressing ahead with a strategic road project that will create a direct link between Saadiyat Island and Khalifa City via Umm Yifeenah Island, as part of a plan to strengthen urban connectivity and upgrade the emirate’s transport infrastructure.

The Department of Municipalities and Transport said the first phase of the project carries an estimated cost of Dh2.85bn ($776m). It will help improve traffic flow and ease movement between major residential and development zones.

Once completed, the corridor is expected to serve up to 88,000 vehicles a day, helping to absorb rising traffic volumes and reduce congestion through a modern, high-capacity road network designed for efficiency and flexibility.

The initial phase also incorporates a pedestrian bridge, around 8km of running and cycling tracks, and more than 184 smart lighting poles, reflecting a push to integrate sustainability and smart technologies into public infrastructure.

Although the project remains in its early stages, part of the…