Dubai’s RTA opens two new bridges at the Trade Centre Roundabout. RTA

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has opened two new bridges as part of the Trade Centre Roundabout Development Project, significantly improving traffic flow in one of the city’s busiest areas. The bridges enhance movement from 2nd December Street towards Sheikh Rashid Road and Al Majlis Street, which connects to Al Mustaqbal Street. Each bridge provides two lanes in both directions, with a combined length of 2,000 metres and a total capacity of about 6,000 vehicles per hour. The bridges were opened ahead of the original mid-January schedule, reducing journey time from 2nd December Street to Al Majlis Street, Al Mustaqbal Street and Zabeel Palace Street from 10 minutes to just two minutes. Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, said the Trade Centre Roundabout is among Dubai’s most vital traffic intersections. He explained that it links Sheikh Zayed Road, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street, Sheikh Rashid Road, 2nd December Street, Zabeel Palace Street, and Al Majlis Street, making it a critical hub for daily commuters. Al Tayer said the project, which costs more than Dh696 million, includes five bridges with a total length of 5,000 metres, as well as converting the existing roundabout into an at-grade intersection. The development improves traffic flow from Sheikh Zayed Road towards 2nd December Street and from Al Mustaqbal Street towards Sheikh Zayed Road. It also provides free-flow movement from Jumeirah and Al Satwa towards Al Majlis Street and Al Mustaqbal Street. According to Al Tayer, overall project completion has reached nearly 50 per cent, with construction progressing faster than planned. A bridge connecting Sheikh Zayed Road to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street is scheduled to open in March, while two additional bridges serving traffic between Sheikh Rashid Road, Al Majlis Street and 2nd December Street are expected to open by October 2026. Once fully completed, the project is expected to reduce average delays at the intersection from 12 minutes to 90 seconds, and cut travel time from Sheikh Zayed Road to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street from six minutes to one minute. The development will benefit more than half a million residents and visitors, serving key areas such as Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai International Financial Centre, Zabeel, Al Satwa, Al Karama, Al Jafiliya, and Al Mankhool. The wider master plan, including upgrades to Al Mustaqbal Street, is scheduled for completion in 2027. ICA/Expat Media
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