An artist's impression of the upgraded intersection in Dubai. RTA

Dubai is set to see a major traffic improvement after the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) awarded a contract to upgrade the intersection of Sheikh Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street with Al Aweer and Al Manama Streets. The large-scale project includes the construction of 2.3 kilometres of bridges, additional traffic lanes, and new service roads in both directions. Once completed, the road’s capacity will increase from 5,200 vehicles per hour to 14,400 vehicles per hour, representing a 176 per cent increase. According to the RTA, the project will slash travel time along the corridor from 20 minutes to just five minutes. Construction is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2028. Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, said the project forms part of Dubai’s long-term transport strategy. “Undertaking this project is part of RTA's master plan to develop the roads, bridges, crossings, and tunnels network to accommodate growing traffic volumes, enhance mobility, and ensure smoother traffic flow across Dubai,” he said. He added that the project supports urban expansion and population growth, serving residential and development areas with a combined population of more than 600,000 residents and visitors. One of the key changes involves converting the existing roundabout into a grade-separated intersection, allowing traffic to flow freely in all directions. The project includes the construction of main bridges on Sheikh Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street, with four lanes in each direction, as well as two-lane ramps for both right- and left-turn movements. Additional works include a new bridge at the intersection of Al Awir Road and Emirates Road to serve traffic heading towards Al Awir and Sharjah. Parallel service roads will also be developed along Sheikh Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street and Al Awir Road, providing safer access to surrounding residential and development areas. The project will also upgrade surface roads at the intersection with Al Manama Street, including widening Sheikh Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street from two to four lanes in each direction and improving traffic signals to boost capacity and efficiency. These upgrades build on earlier improvements along the 25-kilometre stretch of Sheikh Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street, which connects Dubai-Al Ain Road to Al Yalayis Street. Previous works included new interchanges, bridges and signalised intersections to ease traffic flow near Global Village, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Zayed University and Academic City. ICA/Expat Media
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