Dubai’s Ambitious Road Development Plan: A Dhs16 Billion Initiative

Dubai’s notorious traffic congestion is a well-known issue, but relief is on the horizon. The city has embarked on an ambitious Dhs16 billion plan aimed at transforming some of its busiest roads. This comprehensive initiative, known as the Main Roads Development Plan, will overhaul key thoroughfares such as Latifa bint Hamdan Street, Al Mustaqbal Street, the Trade Centre Roundabout, Al Fay Street, and Al Safa Street. The project is set to benefit over 6 million residents and was recently reviewed by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, as part of a broader budgetary approval that allocates Dhs272 billion for various developmental projects over the next three years.

Notably, 46 percent of this budget will be dedicated to infrastructure improvements, including the Main Roads Development Plan.

Key Roads Undergoing Transformation

Among the standout projects is the development of Latifa bint Hamdan Street, which is set to commence next year. This extensive project will span 12,200 meters and is designed to accommodate over a million residents, significantly increasing capacity to handle 16,000 vehicles per hour in both directions, thereby drastically reducing travel times.

The Main Roads Development Plan encompasses several other critical projects. The Meydan Road initiative aims to enhance capacity to 22,000 vehicles per hour, while the upgrades to Al Mustaqbal Street will boost its capacity from 9,000 to 12,000 vehicles per hour, cutting the travel time from eight minutes to a mere three and a half minutes.

Additionally, the Trade Centre Roundabout will see the construction of five new bridges, totaling 5,000 meters, to facilitate smooth traffic flow in all directions. Plans for Al Fay Street will involve extending the road from Al Khail Road, passing through Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street, all the way to Emirates Road. Furthermore, a project on Al Safa Street will stretch from Sheikh Zayed Road to Al Wasl Road, effectively reducing travel time for approximately 358,000 residents from 20 minutes to just two minutes.

Will Traffic Conditions Improve?

The short answer is yes—eventually. As Sheikh Hamdan reviewed these plans, he emphasized the integration of cutting-edge technology in traffic management. The introduction of dedicated bus and taxi lanes, spanning a total of 20 kilometers, aims to increase public transport ridership by 10 percent and reduce bus travel time by an impressive 41 percent. This innovative strategy is expected to alleviate traffic congestion and encourage more residents to utilize public transportation.

Moreover, the expansion of the cycling tracks network is underway, currently covering an impressive 557 kilometers, with plans for further enhancements. A groundbreaking Smart Cycling Tracks Scanning Initiative will ensure that these tracks remain safe and well-maintained through the use of advanced technology, streamlining maintenance efforts.

With this Dhs16 billion road development plan, Dubai is laying the groundwork for a more interconnected, efficient, and seamless transportation experience for its residents.

Traffic Development Over the Years

The statistics tell a compelling story of Dubai’s growth: since 2006, the road network has expanded remarkably from 8,715 lane-kilometers to 18,990 lane-kilometers, marking an impressive 117 percent increase. This growth includes a significant rise in the number of vehicle bridges and tunnels, which have surged from 129 to 1,070, alongside a flourishing number of pedestrian facilities integrated within the city’s infrastructure.

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