Dubai Traffic to Slash 75% with New Bridges, Tunnels
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is upgrading four major intersections in Dubai with new bridges, tunnels, lanes, and service roads as part of the Oud Metha and Al Asayel Streets Development Project. This project aims to improve traffic flow across some of the city’s busiest routes, including roads linking Oud Metha Street, Sheikh Rashid Road, Al Asayel Street, Al Wasl Club Street, Al Khail Road, and Dubai-Al Ain Road. The upgrades will serve key areas such as Zabeel, Al Jaddaf, Oud Metha, and Umm Hurair.
The project is expected to cut travel time from 20 minutes to just five minutes, a reduction of up to 75%. This significant improvement in travel time will be achieved through the addition of new bridges, tunnels, and lanes, which will increase the capacity of the roads and reduce traffic overlaps. For instance, a new three-lane bridge has already opened, and two tunnels and another bridge are due to follow by the end of August.
At the intersection of Oud Metha Street and Sheikh Rashid Road, an additional lane will be added to the left-turn ramp, increasing its capacity to 1,800 vehicles per hour. The service road on Sheikh Rashid Road will also be upgraded to reduce traffic overlaps and improve road safety. Additionally, right-turn lanes from Sheikh Rashid Road onto Oud Metha Street will increase from two to three, with a capacity of 4,000 vehicles per hour.
The upgrades at the intersection of Oud Metha Street, Al Asayel Street, and Al Wasl Club Street will include three bridges, improving links between Al Asayel Street, Al Wasl Club Street, and Al Khail Road. A two-lane bridge will serve traffic traveling from Al Asayel Street towards Al Wasl Club Street, while a three-lane bridge will serve motorists traveling from Al Khail Road towards Al Asayel Street. A separate two-lane bridge will serve left-turn traffic from Al Asayel Street towards Oud Metha Street, with a capacity of 2,400 vehicles per hour.
The works at the intersection of Al Wasl Club Street and Al Khail Road will improve traffic heading towards Al Khail Road and Business Bay Crossing. A two-lane bridge will serve motorists traveling from Al Asayel Street towards Al Khail Road, with a capacity of 3,000 vehicles per hour. The exit from Al Wasl Club Street towards Al Khail Road will be expanded to two lanes, and a service road will be constructed on Al Wasl Club Street in both directions.
The fourth intersection upgrade, at Zabeel Palace Street, Al Khail Road, and Oud Metha Street, will improve traffic movement between Al Khail Road, Dubai-Al Ain Road, Oud Metha Street, and Al Wasl Club Street. An additional lane will be added to the left-turn ramp from Al Khail Road towards Dubai-Al Ain Road, doubling its capacity from 900 to 1,800 vehicles per hour. A one-lane tunnel will serve traffic traveling from Dubai-Al Ain Road towards Al Wasl Club Street, accommodating 1,200 vehicles per hour and helping to reduce traffic congestion.
This project is part of Dubai’s efforts to improve its traffic infrastructure and reduce congestion, which is essential for the city’s urban expansion and population growth. The RTA’s initiatives aim to provide a smooth and efficient traffic flow, making it easier for residents and visitors to navigate the city.
The expected completion of the project by the end of August 2026 will bring significant relief to commuters who currently face long travel times on these routes. With the reduced travel time, residents can expect to save up to 15 minutes per trip, which can greatly impact their daily routines and productivity.
In conclusion, the Oud Metha and Al Asayel Streets Development Project is a significant step towards improving Dubai’s traffic infrastructure. The addition of new bridges, tunnels, and lanes will not only reduce travel times but also improve the overall traffic flow, making it easier for residents and visitors to navigate the city.
