Enhanced Connectivity: New Bridge on Sheikh Zayed Road Redefines Access to Mall of the Emirates
A significant infrastructure development aimed at improving mobility in Dubai has been unveiled with the construction of a new 300-meter single-lane bridge on Sheikh Zayed Road. This strategic addition, designed to facilitate traffic flow from Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali to the bustling Mall of the Emirates, promises to drastically cut travel time for motorists—from a cumbersome 10 minutes to an impressive 1 minute, thus enhancing the overall travel experience.
The announcement, made by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai, underscores a crucial step towards easing congestion in one of the emirate’s busiest corridors. With the bridge designed to accommodate approximately 900 vehicles per hour, it represents a significant enhancement in the region’s transportation infrastructure, aiming to serve not just local drivers but also tourists and visitors flocking to one of Dubai’s premier shopping destinations.
This initiative is not merely an isolated project; it is part of a broader strategy by the RTA to collaborate with real estate developers, notably Majid Al Futtaim Properties, to improve road networks that service key property developments and commercial centers. According to Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, this partnership with the private sector is instrumental in shaping a more efficient mobility landscape in Dubai.
“Through strategic partnerships with our real estate counterparts, we are not only improving traffic flow but also actively working to enhance the urban environment for residents and visitors alike,” said Al Tayer. The new bridge is complemented by a comprehensive plan that involves expansions and upgrades of various mall entrances, surrounding roads, intersections, pedestrian pathways, and cycling tracks, making it more accessible for all users.
Indeed, the project has necessitated the widening of the southbound ramp at Umm Suqeim junction, significantly improving access to the newly constructed bridge. Additionally, the upgrading initiative also includes 2.5 kilometers of at-grade road enhancements around the Mall of the Emirates, the establishment of six signalized intersections, and modifications to the existing bus station at the Mall of the Emirates Metro Station.
Moreover, in an effort to promote pedestrian and cycling accessibility, the road adjacent to the Kempinski Hotel has transitioned from one-way to two-way traffic, effectively improving the flow of vehicles while also enhancing safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
As part of a holistic approach to traffic management and urban planning, RTA has outlined plans for the Umm Suqeim Street Improvement Project, which will be launched this year. This ambitious endeavor spans 6 kilometers and will make critical upgrades to six junctions along Umm Suqeim Street. The junctions with Jumeirah Street, Al Wasl Street, Sheikh Zayed Road, First Al Khail Street, Al Asayel Street, and Al Khail Road are set to receive infrastructural improvements that will directly impact traffic efficiency.
Included in this extensive upgrade are plans for the construction of four bridges and two tunnels, culminating in a combined length of 3,450 meters. A vital tunnel at the intersection of Umm Suqeim Street and Jumeirah Street will feature two lanes in each direction, supplemented by a signalized at-grade junction to facilitate smoother transitions for oncoming traffic.
Additionally, another tunnel will be established at the junction of Umm Suqeim Street and Al Wasl Street, enhancing traffic flow towards Jumeirah Street while ensuring an uninterrupted surface-level movement towards Sheikh Zayed Road. Notably, two new bridges will be constructed at the Umm Suqeim and Sheikh Zayed Road junction, a targeted effort to alleviate traffic congestion at this busy intersection. Upgrades will also be implemented at the junction with First Al Khail Road.
“By increasing the roadway capacity to four lanes in each direction, we are making significant strides in accommodating the growing volume of traffic,” commented Al Tayer. The project further includes plans for two bridge crossings: one linking Al Khail Road to Al Quoz Industrial Area and another connecting Umm Suqeim Street to Al Khail Road towards Deira.
This comprehensive suite of upgrades positions Dubai at the forefront of transport innovation, enhancing not only connectivity but also contributing to the emirate’s broader economic objectives by creating an infrastructure that can support its growth trajectory. As residents and visitors alike benefit from these enhancements, the commitment of the RTA to forward-thinking urban development becomes increasingly evident.
As Dubai continues to grow and evolve, these infrastructure projects demonstrate a clear vision for a more connected and accessible future.
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