Transportation and Roads Improvement Program (TRIP) – Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Since the late 1970’s, the Abu Dhabi Transportation and Roads Improvement Program (TRIP) has driven the planning, design, and construction of the entire urban highway network in Abu Dhabi, UAE. From the program’s inception, Parsons has managed more than 120 design projects and more than 100 construction supervision projects. Each project is different from the next in scope and details, but the primary objective of all TRIP projects was to provide a roadway network that will safely, efficiently, and economically serve the local and regional transportation needs of Abu Dhabi.

Meeting The Transportation Needs Of Abu Dhabi

At present, more than 120 signalized intersections and 48 bridges with major water crossings have been designed and constructed for the Municipality. We coordinated all utility relocations and prepared all cost estimates, specifications, and designs of roadways, surface drainage, sewerage, bridges, and all traffic-related disciplines including lighting, striping, signs, signals, and CCTV. Post-design responsibilities included advertisement preparation; prequalifying contractors; preconstruction conferences; reviews of contractor methods and schedules; construction management, supervision, and inspection; invoice approval; progress report preparation; guidance on problem solving; and change orders and claims administration.

Different Designs; Common Objective

We have served as the one-stop, comprehensive consultant for ADM on TRIP projects for almost 40 years. Planning, design, construction supervision and contract administration have been the main functions we have performed to support the client. In addition to helping design and build roads, bridges and intersections, we have helped install an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) to improve road safety and reduce congestion in Abu Dhabi. Reduced congestion has also resulted in lower carbon emissions.

Our efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2015, we received a certificate of appreciation from ADM in recognition of outstanding performance, high competency and commitment to fulfilling the Municipality’s requirements.

While each project is different from the next in terms of scope and details, the primary objective of all TRIP projects is to provide a roadway network that will safely, efficiently and economically serve the local and regional transportation needs of Abu Dhabi.

An Intelligent Design

Other contracts involved the widening of existing roads and the improvement of intersections, including the installation of a computerized traffic signal system. The intelligent transportation system (ITS) design includes a fiberoptic backbone network for the municipality, closed-circuit television (CCTV) coverage of all major traffic areas, automatic detection of vehicles violating speed limits and traffic controls, security and surveillance of sensitive areas, and a separate special-use control center.

Expertise In Innovation

We are an established innovation leader, with innovation being one of its six core values. We demonstrated this value on TRIP through the introduction of:

• Estidama, which is a building design methodology for constructing and operating buildings and communities more sustainably.
• Temporary modular parking structures in downtown areas – to alleviate parking shortages during improvement works.
• New design standards – to enhance the safety and mobility of pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.

Each of these was a ‘first’ for Abu Dhabi, with TRIP being the starting point for the widespread adoption of these initiatives on other projects across the city.

Services Provided

• Program management
• Project management
• Master planning
• Studies and design
• Construction supervision and management
• Schedule development and control
• Design and Build (D&B) projects
• Maintenance and safety improvements
• Technical and administrative support
• Infrastructure coordination
• Construction support programs
• Environmental strategy and assessments
• Facility Condition Assessments (FCAs)
• Program / project coordination
• Tender preparation, evaluation and recommendation
• Claims review and recommendation
• Cost and financial control
• Training and technology transfer

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