The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded a contract to develop key roads and intersections in Dubai, including Umm Suqeim Street, Al Wasl Road, Al Safa Street, and seven intersections along Jumeirah Street. The project aims to improve traffic flow and expand road capacity across the city.
Road network upgrades
The development involves constructing bridges and tunnels spanning approximately 11,000 metres, along with at-grade road widening. Umm Suqeim Street will be upgraded from its intersection with Jumeirah Street to Al Khail Road, Al Wasl Road from Umm Suqeim Street to 2nd December Street, and Al Safa Street from Sheikh Zayed Road to Al Wasl Road. The seven Jumeirah Street intersections will also be improved.
Once completed, Umm Suqeim Street will accommodate up to 16,000 vehicles per hour in both directions, while Al Wasl and Al Safa Streets will handle 12,000 vehicles per hour each.
The project includes pedestrian walkways, a cycling track, public boulevard plazas, and urban spaces designed to encourage community interaction. These enhancements aim to provide safer and more accessible routes for residents and visitors.
Strategic connectivity
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of RTA, said: “Developing roads and transport infrastructure is a key driver of the economy and a fundamental pillar supporting urban growth, while further strengthening Dubai’s appeal as a destination for investment and business. The development of vital corridors enhances the efficiency of the traffic network, reduces journey times and improves traffic flow, with a positive impact on individual productivity and the efficiency of various economic sectors.”
He added: “Umm Suqeim Street Development Project, which extends from the intersection with Jumeirah Street to Al Khail Road, forms part of the comprehensive plan to develop Umm Suqeim-Al Qudra corridor. The corridor extends from Jumeirah Street to Emirates Road and onwards to Al Qudra Street, serving several vital residential and development areas.”
The project will improve connectivity across four strategic corridors in Dubai: Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Khail Road, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, and Emirates Road. Travel time on Umm Suqeim Street between Jumeirah Street and Al Khail Road is expected to drop from 20 minutes to six minutes. The areas benefiting include Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim, Al Manara, Al Sufouh, Umm Al Sheif, Al Barsha, and Al Quoz, with an estimated population of over two million.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
