Dubai: 2 new bridges open towards Al Qusais, Jebel Ali; to cut travel time by up to 70%

A third and final bridge will open in October, easing traffic flow between Sheikh Zayed Road and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road

Two new bridges were opened in Dubai on September 15, by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). This comes as part of Garn Al Sabkha-Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road Intersection Improvement Project.

The project is expected to reduce travel time for motorists by up to 70 per cent, according to Mattar Al Tayer, director-general and chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at RTA.

Improving traffic flow

The first bridge, stretching 601 metres, features two lanes and can accommodate up to 3,200 vehicles per hour. It serves eastbound traffic from Garn Al Sabkha Street to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, then continues north toward Al Qusais and Deira.

This bridge will reduce travel time by 40 per cent, cutting the peak-hour journey from 20 minutes to just 12 minutes.

The second bridge, measuring 664 metres and also with two lanes, has the same vehicle capacity of 3,200 per hour. This bridge helps reduce traffic congestion by separating the flow of vehicles coming from Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road heading south towards Al Yalayis Street and Jebel Ali Port.

This bridge is expected to reduce travel time for motorists by 70 per cent, making the travel time 7 minutes instead of 21 minutes.

Opening in October

A third and final bridge of this project is scheduled to open in October, connecting the intersection of Garn Al Sabkha Street with Al Asayel Street.

The bridge spans 943 metres, with two lanes in each direction, and is designed to handle 8,000 vehicles per hour in total. This will improve the traffic flow between two major highways Sheikh Zayed Road and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road.

The project is now 97 per cent complete, according to Al Tayer.

The development also includes improvements along a 7km stretch on the intersections on the service road parallel to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road.

Additionally, the project will introduce new street lights, traffic signals, traffic management systems, storm water drainage networks, and irrigation systems.