Dubai Unveils New Bridges and Road Upgrades Plans

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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has unveiled a significant step forward in its Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project, with the opening of a new three-lane bridge connecting Sheikh Rashid Road to Infinity Bridge. This new bridge, part of Phase 4 of the project, is expected to improve traffic flow across some of Dubai’s busiest routes.

The Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project covers a total length of 4.8 km along Sheikh Rashid Road, stretching from the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street intersection to the Falcon Interchange on Al Mina Street. The development includes the construction of three new bridges, adding up to 3.1 km of additional infrastructure capable of handling up to 19,400 vehicles per hour.

Key Features of the New Bridges

The three new bridges aim to streamline traffic and alleviate congestion in key areas. Here's a breakdown of each bridge's role:

  • First Bridge: This 1,335-meter bridge, featuring three lanes in each direction, will improve traffic flow between Sheikh Rashid Road and Falcon Interchange. It has a capacity of 10,800 vehicles per hour.

  • Second Bridge: Spanning 780 meters with three lanes, this bridge will serve traffic from Falcon Interchange towards Al Wasl Road, with a capacity of 5,400 vehicles per hour.

  • Third Bridge: This 985-meter bridge, with two lanes, will facilitate traffic from Jumeirah Street to Al Mina Street, heading towards Falcon Interchange, with a capacity of 3,200 vehicles per hour.

Enhancements to Surrounding Roads

The Al Shindagha Corridor project goes beyond just building bridges. It includes the development of 4.8 km of new roads, upgrades to intersections on Jumeirah Street, Al Mina Street, and Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah Street, as well as improvements to pedestrian accessibility. The installation of street lighting, a rainwater drainage network, and an irrigation system will further enhance the infrastructure.

What This Means for Traffic in Dubai

According to Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, the Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project is designed to accommodate the city’s rapid development and growing population. This expansion will significantly ease vehicle and pedestrian movement, not just within the corridor but across the wider city.

The project’s ambitious goals include reducing travel times significantly. By 2030, it’s expected that the travel time along the Al Shindagha Corridor will drop from 104 minutes to just 16 minutes, saving commuters valuable time and improving traffic safety. The estimated savings from reduced travel times could reach Dh45 billion over the next two decades.

Phases of the Al Shindagha Corridor Project

The Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project is one of the largest initiatives ever undertaken by the RTA. Covering 13 km across key streets like Sheikh Rashid Road, Al Mina Street, Al Khaleej Street, and Cairo Street, the project is divided into five phases and involves 15 intersections. The improvements aim to keep pace with ongoing urban and population growth, especially with major projects like Dubai Islands, Deira Waterfront, and Dubai Maritime City in the works.

Completed Phases and Future Developments

Several phases of the project have already been completed, including key upgrades to intersections such as the Sheikh Rashid Road and Oud Metha Street (Wafi Intersection), as well as the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street intersection. These developments have included the construction of new bridges, tunnels, and ramps, all designed to improve traffic flow and enhance connectivity across the city.

One of the standout structures is Infinity Bridge, a 295-meter bridge with six lanes in each direction and a unique arch design resembling the infinity symbol (∞). This striking bridge is not only a traffic solution but also a landmark that symbolizes Dubai’s boundless ambitions.

Falcon Interchange Improvements

The Falcon Interchange has also undergone major upgrades, including the addition of two bridges along Al Khaleej Street. These new bridges will handle northbound and southbound traffic with a combined capacity of 24,000 vehicles per hour. The project also includes a single-lane bridge for right-turn traffic from Khalid bin Al Waleed Street to Al Khaleej Street, and a two-lane tunnel for left-turn traffic, further improving traffic flow in the area.