RTA Opens 3-Lane Bridge to Ease Traffic Flow from Sheikh Rashid Road

Photo : Dubai Government Media Office 

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has opened a new three-lane bridge on Sheikh Rashid Road. This bridge connects Sheikh Rashid Road directly to the Infinity Bridge. The announcement was made on Sunday, and it marks a major step forward in the Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project, which is one of the biggest road projects in Dubai.

The project is focused on improving roads and bridges along Sheikh Rashid Road, starting from its intersection with Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street and continuing to the Falcon Interchange on Al Mina Street. This part of the project covers 4.8 kilometers and includes three big bridges. Together, these bridges are 3.1 kilometers long and can handle 19,400 cars per hour.

Progress So Far

The RTA shared that 71% of the project is already completed. Another bridge in this phase, which will connect Al Mina Intersection with Sheikh Rashid Road and Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street, will open in the first half of January.

Here’s what has been built in this phase so far:

• First Bridge: It is 1,335 meters long and has three lanes in each direction. This bridge connects Sheikh Rashid Road to Falcon Interchange and can carry 10,800 vehicles per hour.
• Second Bridge: It is 780 meters long with three lanes, helping traffic from Falcon Interchange move toward Al Wasl Road. It can handle 5,400 vehicles per hour.
• Third Bridge: It is 985 meters long and has two lanes. This bridge connects Jumeirah Street to Al Mina Street toward Falcon Interchange and can carry 3,200 vehicles per hour.

The phase also includes building 4.8 kilometers of new roads, improving major intersections, and adding two pedestrian bridges for people to cross safely. Other updates include street lighting, rainwater drainage systems, and better traffic signals.

Why Is This Project Important?

The Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project is being built under the direction of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai's ruler. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, is closely monitoring its progress.

This project will help people move faster and more safely along the corridor. The aim is to reduce travel time from 104 minutes to just 16 minutes by 2030. Over the next 20 years, the project is expected to save AED 45 billion by reducing the time people spend on the road.

The corridor will benefit over 1 million people who live in the surrounding areas, including those in Deira and Bur Dubai. It also supports major developments like Dubai Islands, Deira Waterfront, Dubai Maritime City, and Port Rashid.

Achievements So Far

The RTA has already completed some parts of the project. Here are the highlights:

• Two bridges were built on Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street, each with two lanes.
• A single-lane bridge was constructed to connect Zabeel Street to Sheikh Rashid Road.
• A tunnel with four lanes was built on Sheikh Rashid Road to improve traffic flow toward Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah Street.

Additionally, five bridges have been built to connect Al Khaleej Street with Dubai Islands. These bridges can carry 20,700 vehicles per hour.

Infinity Bridge

The Infinity Bridge, which was completed earlier, is one of Dubai’s landmarks. It is 295 meters long with six lanes in each direction and includes a shared path for pedestrians and cyclists. The bridge’s design features an arch shaped like the infinity symbol (∞), which stands for Dubai’s limitless ambitions.

Falcon Interchange Updates

The Falcon Interchange has also been upgraded with new bridges and tunnels:

• Two Bridges: One bridge is 750 meters long for traffic going north, and the other is 1,075 meters long for southbound traffic. Both have six lanes in each direction and can handle 24,000 vehicles per hour.
• Single-Lane Bridge: A smaller bridge was built for cars turning right from Khalid bin Al Waleed Street to Al Khaleej Street. It is 250 meters long and can handle 1,600 vehicles per hour.
• Tunnel: A two-lane tunnel was built for cars turning left from Khalid bin Al Waleed Street to Al Mina Street. It is 500 meters long and can handle 3,200 vehicles per hour.

The upgrades also include a new signalized intersection to improve traffic flow in the area.

What’s Next?

The Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project covers a total distance of 13 kilometers and includes 15 intersections. It is being built in five phases and is one of the biggest road projects the RTA has ever undertaken.

When the entire project is completed, it will make traveling in Dubai much easier, safer, and faster for everyone.