DUBAI // The expansion of Airport Road is almost half way completed and is expected to finish by December this year. The construction works have been so significant that Dubai International Airport has advised travelers to allow extra time for their journey, particularly during peak times and holidays. The expansion - carried out by the Roads and Transport Authority - is expected to reduce transit time and enhance traffic safety. The RTA said construction had reached 50 per cent completion on the Rashidiya and Casablanca Intersections and 40 per cent on the Nad Al Hamar and Marrakech Intersections. The expansion of Airport Road is the first phase of a Dh404 million road improvement plan which will be completed in the first half of 2018. “The RTA is upgrading road networks’ infrastructure and mass transit systems in Dubai by figuring out integrated solutions for land and marine transit systems that are safe for users and compatible with the Dubai Strategic Plan 2021,” said Mattar Al Tayer, director-general and chairman of the board of executive directors of RTA He said the expansion projects will contribute to the needs of hosting Expo 2020, serve demographic growth in Dubai, and encourage the development and investments across the emirate. Aside from the Airport Road expansion the project also includes the construction of bridges, a tunnel at Marrakech Intersection and bridges at Rashidiya Intersection. The construction is expected to increase the capacity of Airport Road by an additional 5000 vehicles per hour and increase traffic safety. Travel time from Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road to Casablanca Street is also expected to drop from 30 minutes to 5 minutes.