Al Hajri Inspects final pre-operational stage completion of deep tunnel project

One of the most prominent largest strategic and exceptional projects

Dubai, UAE, 06 September 2021:  Dawoud Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai Municipality, paid an inspection visit to see the final stage of the deep tunnel project. It is one of the most important strategic and exceptional infrastructure projects in Dubai, which aims to ensure the application of the highest international standards in the field the optimum management of stormwater drainage in the Emirate. This project is considered the first of its kind in the region to drain stormwater and surface groundwater, by collecting water and storing it for the next 100 years.

Al Hajri said the project embodies the vision of the wise leadership towards launching pioneering and unprecedented projects in various fields, and keeping pace with the development and progress witnessed by the world in various sectors, especially the infrastructure sector.
 
He added that the deep tunnel project is a qualitative leap in infrastructure projects not only at the emirate level, but also at the regional level, which is one of the most prominent projects that will promote comprehensive development in Dubai.   
  
The inspection visit included reviewing the progress of the project that has reached its pre-operational final stages. The project aims to collect stormwater and surface water from a total area of 500 square kilometers, and transporting the water through a 10.3 km long deep tunnel, with an internal diameter of 10 meters, and a depth of 40-60 meters. The tunnel ends at the main pumping station near Jebel Ali Port, where water is drained through a double system, which can drain stormwater and surface water through the overflow and through pumps connected to lines extending 600 meters into the sea, which will enjoy high operational efficiency.

One of the most important features of the deep tunnel project is the transfer of water through the tunnel by gravitation, which means eliminating the construction costs associated with the establishment of sub-pumping stations, in addition to a 20% reduction in operating and maintenance costs. 

The overflow mechanism operates with a flow capacity of 110 cubic meters per second. The pumping mechanism operates with a capacity of 9.5 million cubic meters of stormwater flow per day through pumps specially made for the project, which are the largest in the world with the quality of super duplex stainless steel, on a land area of 2.6 hectares. This makes the main pumping station one of the most integrated pumping stations with services, buildings and facilities in the management of stormwater drainage as well as surface water. The project also supports the principles of sustainability and takes into account the safety of the marine environment.

It should be noted that stormwater is discharged to the sea taking into account climate change and sea level rise, that is, when heavy rains or sea levels rise near the station. Through the station’s central control room, the system can automatically adapt to the data to continue reducing the impact of rainstorms and floods in the service area. 

The deep tunnel excavation work was carried out using huge tunnel boring machines (TBM) with an external diameter of 11.05 meters. The work mechanism of these machines is characterized without obstructing the movement of traffic in the vital streets that fall within the scope of the project naturally.