Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed all phases of the Al Shindagha Corridor Development Project on the Bur Dubai side, marking a transformative step in easing traffic congestion.
The project will cut travel time along the corridor from a staggering 104 minutes down to just 16 minutes by 2030, improving commute efficiency for over one million residents.
Al Shindagha Corridor Development Project
The newly completed network ensures uninterrupted traffic from Al Garhoud Bridge to Infinity Bridge and further towards Port Rashid and Dubai Islands. The enhancements now allow smooth two-way movement across some of Dubai’s busiest and most vital roads.
This project is the largest road infrastructure initiative in Dubai’s history. It spans 13 km of roads, includes 18 km of bridges and tunnels, and covers major streets such as Sheikh Rashid Road, Al Mina Street, Al Khaleej Street, and Cairo Street.
Fifth bridge opened
With the recent opening of the fifth and final bridge at the Sheikh Rashid Road – Al Mina Street intersection, RTA has fully completed the Bur Dubai side of the corridor. The bridge network can now handle 19,400 vehicles per hour across all lanes.
Key intersection upgrades
The corridor features 15 upgraded intersections, including:
Sheikh Rashid Road & Oud Metha Street: A 700m, 3-lane bridge
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street: Two new 2-lane bridges and a tunnel
Khalid Bin Al Waleed Road & Al Mina Street (Falcon Intersection): Three bridges and a tunnel with a total capacity of 28,800 vehicles per hour
Infinity bridge highlight
One of the most iconic elements is the Infinity Bridge, featuring:
A unique infinity-symbol arch, 42m high
12 lanes and a dedicated cycling track
24,000 vehicles per hour capacity
A 75-metre-wide navigation channel beneath for marine traffic
A new double-deck route extends Infinity Bridge into Deira, running 1.7 km with six lanes in each direction. This deck links with Al Khaleej Street and improves traffic to Deira Waterfront.
Access to Dubai Islands
To accommodate Dubai’s expansion, five new bridges were built between Al Khaleej Street and Dubai Islands, offering direct entry and exit. The bridges span a total of 2,571 metres with a combined capacity of 20,700 vehicles per hour.
Bur Dubai to Dubai Islands
Construction is also underway for a new 1,425-metre bridge connecting Bur Dubai to Dubai Islands. The bridge will support 16,000 vehicles per hour and feature dedicated pedestrian and cycling paths, as well as elevators for accessibility.
The Al Khaleej Street Tunnel, currently 30% complete, will further ease traffic from Infinity Bridge to Cairo Street. Once finished, the 1.65 km tunnel will handle 12,000 vehicles per hour, improving flow in and out of Deira.
RTA estimates the time saved from this project will bring economic benefits worth Dhs 45 billion over the next 20 years. Besides easing congestion, the upgrades are designed to boost road safety and support Dubai’s rapidly growing urban population.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the RTA, stated: “This project reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the close supervision of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ensuring Dubai keeps pace with urban development and rising mobility needs.”
The completion of the Al Shindagha Corridor marks a major leap forward for Dubai’s transport infrastructure — enhancing mobility, supporting urban expansion, and making daily commutes dramatically shorter and safer for millions.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
