During the recent UAE National Day long weekend, residents experienced a rare calm on usually busy roads as the holiday brought a much-needed break from routine. However, as routines resumed on Wednesday, December 4, traffic congestion returned with schools reopening and workplaces bustling again.
In line with Dubai’s commitment to better transportation, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has made significant road improvements this year. From new bridges to expanded roads, these upgrades aim to reduce travel times and ease traffic for residents and visitors alike. Here’s a breakdown of the latest changes:
Beirut Street Upgrades
Good news for those using Beirut Street! A new lane has been added along the three-kilometer stretch from its intersection with Al Nahda Street to Amman Street (northbound). This improvement reduces travel time during evening rush hours by over 30%, cutting journey time from 18 minutes to 12 minutes.
Additionally, upgrades along Beirut Street heading towards the Airport Tunnel and connections to Baghdad Street and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road have further reduced delays. These changes benefit commuters in Muhaisnah, Al Qusais, Al Twar, and the Al Qusais Industrial Area.
Sheikh Zayed Road and E311 Corridor
The Al Jamayel Street Development Project, previously known as Garn Al Sabkha, introduced four new bridges and expanded roads connecting Sheikh Zayed Road and E311.
Key improvements include:
- Travel time reduction by 40% for commuters from Al Jamayel Street to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road heading to Al Qusais and Deira.
- Peak travel time cut by 70% for motorists heading from Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road to Jebel Ali Port via Al Yalayis Street, reducing journey times from 21 minutes to 7 minutes.
Here are the four new bridges:
- A bridge to ease congestion from Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road to Jumeirah Golf Estates and Dubai Production City.
- A bridge directing traffic from Al Jamayel Street eastwards to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road.
- A bridge for smooth flow southwards to Al Yalayis Street and Jebel Ali Port.
- A bridge linking Al Jamayel Street to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, improving connectivity.
This project spans 7 km and serves areas like Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Al Furjan, The Gardens, and Discovery Gardens.
Al Khail Road Enhancements
Five new bridges and wider roads on Al Khail Road aim to ease congestion and improve travel times. Key projects include:
- Zaa’beel Palace Street Bridge: Connecting Oud Metha Street to Al Khail Road towards Jebel Ali.
- Meydan Bridge: Linking Al Meydan Road to Ras Al Khor Road towards Deira.
- Ghadeer Al Tair Bridge: Connecting Latifa Bint Hamdan Street to Al Khail Road towards Deira.
- Jumeirah Village Circle Bridge: A link from Al Khail Road to Hessa Street.
Wider roads and diversions at locations like Al Quoz 1, Business Bay, and Jumeirah Village Circle further ease traffic flow.
New Access Points in Oud Metha
RTA added deceleration and acceleration lanes on Umm Hurair Street, increasing road capacity by 50% and cutting journey time by 40%. A new service road exit has also improved access for commuters in this area.
School Zone Improvements
Around Al Mawakeb School, enhanced road access has significantly reduced travel time for parents during student drop-off and pick-up, slashing the duration from 15 minutes to just five.
