The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has opened a second-level bridge at the World Trade Centre Roundabout, part of a wider development project aimed at easing traffic in central Dubai.
The 1,000-metre bridge carries two lanes and can accommodate up to 3,000 vehicles per hour, connecting Sheikh Zayed Road to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street towards Al Karama and Deira. Officials said it reduces journey times from six minutes to one minute for motorists using this route.
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, said: “The World Trade Centre Roundabout Development Project is one of the most strategic intersection upgrades in Dubai’s road network. The intersection links Sheikh Zayed Road with five major arterial corridors: Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street, Sheikh Rashid Street, 2nd December Street, Zabeel Palace Street and Al Majlis Street.
“Construction works are progressing ahead of the approved programme, underscoring RTA’s commitment to enhancing mobility and strengthening overall network performance. Overall project completion has exceeded 60%, with three bridges already opened to traffic. Works continue on two additional bridges serving traffic from Sheikh Rashid Street and Al Majlis Street towards 2nd December Street, and both bridges are scheduled for opening in October.”
He added: “Upon full completion, the project will reduce average delay at the intersection from 12 minutes to 90 seconds. It will enhance traffic flow from Sheikh Zayed Road towards 2nd December Street, as well as from Al Mustaqbal Street towards Sheikh Zayed Road southbound.”
Bridge details
The development includes five bridges spanning a total of 5,000 metres to provide free-flow traffic in multiple directions. Two bridges opened earlier this year link 2nd December Street to Sheikh Rashid Street and Al Majlis Street to Al Mustaqbal Street, carrying two lanes each with a combined capacity of 6,000 vehicles per hour.
The project also converts the existing roundabout into a signalised intersection to improve traffic management and network efficiency.
The project is expected to serve more than half a million residents and visitors, improving access to major areas including Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai International Financial Centre, Zabeel, Al Satwa, Al Karama, Al Jafiliya and Al Mankhool.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
