We get how dreadful those long hours in traffic can feel. However, there’s some good news for daily commuters who have to brave the arduous hours staying still in the congestion. From massive bridge projects in Dubai to a game-changing tunnel in Sharjah, several major infrastructure upgrades are either nearing completion or already transforming some of the UAE’s busiest roads. Built to slash travel times and improve connectivity, here’s everything you need to know about these projects that could make getting around a whole lot smoother.
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1. Sharjah’s AED750 Million Road Plan To Create New Links To Dubai
A major infrastructure programme in Sharjah is set to open new traffic corridors connecting the Emirate with Dubai, helping ease congestion on existing roads. The project is expected to significantly improve the daily commute for thousands of motorists travelling between Sharjah and Dubai. Some of the biggest benefits include:
- New routes that will distribute traffic more efficiently between the two Emirates
- Direct connections to Emirates Road and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road
- Improved access to Expo Centre Sharjah with dedicated directional signs guiding motorists straight to parking areas
- Reduced pressure on heavily congested junctions
2. The New Al Taawun Tunnel To Eliminate A Major Bottleneck
Anyone who regularly drives through Al Taawun knows how chaotic the area can get during rush hour. Traffic from Al Ittihad Road, Al Nahda, Al Khan, and the Corniche all converge at a single junction, creating long queues every morning and evening. To tackle this issue, a new underground tunnel is being built beneath Al Taawun Roundabout.
Once complete, the system will allow vehicles to flow continuously without traffic signals or roundabout stops. Drivers travelling between Al Taawun Street, Al Nahda Bridge and Al Corniche Street are expected to enjoy much smoother journeys and shorter travel times.
3. Al Noor Road To Offer A New Alternative Route Into Dubai
Another key project that is under process is Al Noor Road. This will stretch from Al Orooba Street and connects directly to Dubai through Al Nahda Bridge. According to senior officials, the road is expected to open before the end of the year and will provide motorists with an additional option when travelling between Sharjah and Dubai, reducing pressure on existing routes.
4. Dubai Harbour’s New Bridge To Cut Travel Time By 75%
Getting into Dubai Harbour is about to become much easier thanks to a new 1.5-kilometre bridge that is nearly complete. The biggest win? Travel time to Dubai Harbour is expected to drop from around 12 minutes to just three minutes. The new link will:
- Provide direct access from Sheikh Zayed Road in both directions
- Reduce reliance on existing congested roads
- Improve connectivity to Al Naseem Street and King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street
5. Hessa Street’s Mega Upgrade Has Reduced Journey Times
One of Dubai’s busiest commuter routes has received a major makeover. Travel times between Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road have already been reduced from 15 minutes to just four minutes. Phase II will further expand Hessa Street from two lanes to four lanes in each direction, doubling road capacity to 8,000 vehicles per hour. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) recently completed the first phase of the Hessa Street Development Project, which includes:
- A new two-lane bridge above the Dubai Metro Red Line
- Wider bridges at First Al Khail Street and Al Asayel Street
- Additional ramps and flyovers are improving movement towards Al Khail Road and Deira
6. New Bridges Around World Trade Centre & Oud Maitha Are Untangling Traffic
Several projects across central Dubai are also bringing relief to some of the city’s busiest areas.
1. Commercial Centre Roundabout Flyover
A new 500-metre bridge now provides smoother traffic flow from Al Bada’a towards 2nd of December Street, while improving connections to Sheikh Rashid Street and Al Wasl Street. Travel times have fallen from eight minutes to just two.
2. Sheikh Zayed Road To Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Street Flyover
This new connection has made it easier for motorists heading towards Al Karama and Deira. This has reduced journey times from six minutes to only one minute.
3. Oud Maitha & Al Asayel Street Corridor
New bridges, flyovers, tunnels and slip roads are being added to improve traffic movement around Business Bay, Al Wasl Club Street and Zabeel Palace Street, helping eliminate long-standing bottlenecks. Part of the wider Sheikh Rashid Corridor Development Project, this massive scheme includes:
- 4.3 kilometres of bridges
- 14 kilometres of new and expanded roads
- Upgrades to four major intersections
With several mega projects either opening soon or already delivering results, commuters across the UAE are finally seeing shorter drives and fewer headaches on the road. And thankfully, with even more upgrades still in the pipeline, the daily battle against traffic might just get a little easier. If you’d like to be the first to know about road improvements that will make your commute a lot less tiring, then keep following Gulf Buzz for all the latest travel updates!
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