The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has opened a new 600-metre, four-lane bridge at the intersection of Al Qudra Road and the link road connecting Arabian Ranches with Dubai Studio City, aiming to improve traffic flow in the area.
Traffic capacity boost
The bridge, part of the Al Qudra Road main intersections development project, has increased traffic capacity by 191%, from 6,600 vehicles per hour to 19,200 vehicles per hour. Waiting times at the junction have been reduced by 55%, from 113 seconds to 52 seconds.
RTA plans to open the northern bridge at the intersection of Al Qudra Road and Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street on February 15. The 700-metre structure will provide two lanes in each direction, pending the completion of the southern bridge. The northern bridge will serve traffic towards Al Qudra City and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of RTA, said: “Al Qudra Road Development Project is being implemented in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, and under the follow-up of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, to complete the development of road network infrastructure. The project supports smoother mobility for residents and visitors, keeps pace with Dubai’s sustained urban expansion, and addresses the emirate’s growing development and population needs.”
Al Tayer added: “The project includes upgrading several key intersections, and constructing bridges extending 2,700 metres, as well as widening and improving the existing road over a total length of 11.6 km. It will increase road capacity and cut journey time by 70%, reducing travel time from 9.4 minutes to 2.8 minutes. The project will serve residential and development areas accommodating an estimated 400,000 residents and visitors.”
Al Qudra Road connects Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road to Emirates Road and serves several major communities, including Arabian Ranches 1 and 2, Dubai Motor City, Dubai Studio City, DAMAC Hills, Mudon, and The Sustainable City. The upgrades aim to reduce congestion, shorten travel times, and improve road safety along the corridor.
intersection upgrades
The project includes multiple bridge constructions and road improvements:
A 700-metre bridge at Al Qudra Road and Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street with four lanes in each direction and auxiliary side ramps.
A 500-metre bridge from Al Qudra Road to Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street towards Jebel Ali.
A 900-metre bridge from Al Qudra Road to Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street towards the city centre and Dubai International Airport.
Development of 3 km of service roads along Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street.
The upgrades are expected to increase road capacity from 7,800 to 19,400 vehicles per hour at the junction and reduce waiting times by 85%, from 393 seconds to 60 seconds.
Additional works include widening Al Qudra Road between Emirates Road and the roundabout serving Town Square Dubai, Mira Developments, and DAMAC Hills 2. A new 4.8 km southern road will link directly to Emirates Road, while extra lanes on Emirates Road over the same distance will enhance connectivity with surrounding communities.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
