A new single-lane bridge has opened on Sheikh Zayed Road, offering direct access to the Mall of the Emirates car parks for motorists coming from Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali.
The bridge is part of an ongoing infrastructure upgrade led by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in partnership with Majid Al Futtaim Properties.
Smoother mall access
The 300-metre bridge is designed to handle up to 900 vehicles per hour, aiming to ease congestion and improve traffic flow in one of the city’s busiest shopping areas.
It provides a direct connection from Sheikh Zayed Road to the mall, reducing travel time significantly for incoming traffic from the south.
The project also includes an upgraded southbound ramp at the Umm Suqeim junction and enhancements to the existing bridge access from Umm Suqeim Street.
Wider road upgrades
Beyond the bridge, the RTA has improved 2.5 kilometres of road networks around the mall. This includes the development of six signalised intersections, modifications to the Mall of the Emirates Metro Station bus terminal, and converting the road next to the Kempinski Hotel into a two-way street.
Pedestrian walkways and cycling paths have also been enhanced to improve access and safety.
Travel time cut down
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at RTA, said: “This project forms part of RTA’s efforts, in collaboration with real estate development partners, to enhance the infrastructure of the road network serving property developments and shopping centres. The objective is to improve traffic flow and facilitate the mobility of residents and visitors across various areas.”
He added: “The new bridge reduces the travel time for motorists coming from Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali to Mall of the Emirates from 10 minutes to just one minute. It also enhances traffic efficiency and improves road safety on the roads surrounding the mall.”
Separately, RTA announced progress on the Umm Suqeim Street Improvement Project, a 6km upgrade running from Jumeirah Street to Al Khail Road. The development includes four bridges, two tunnels, and six major junctions aimed at reducing congestion and enhancing connectivity across key areas of the city.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
