Dubai's new road upgrade: Smoother flow between Sheikh Zayed, Al Wasl

Gulf Business

2 days ago

Image credit: WAM/Website
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the launch of the Al Safa Street Improvement Project, a key infrastructure upgrade aimed at improving traffic flow, supporting urban growth, and enhancing overall quality of life in one of Dubai's most vibrant districts.
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The project extends over a 1,500-metre stretch of Al Safa Street, from its intersection with Sheikh Zayed Road to its junction with Al Wasl Street. It forms a core part of RTA's broader master plan to modernise the city's transport infrastructure in line with Dubai's rapid population growth and urban expansion.
Bridges, tunnels, and a traffic revolution
The ambitious development includes the construction of two new bridges and two tunnels, totalling 3,120 metres in combined length. It will also see the widening of surface roads, upgraded intersections, and the installation of advanced traffic signal systems.
Once completed, the improvements will significantly cut travel times on Al Safa Street—from 12 minutes to just 3 minutes—and will double traffic capacity from 6,000 to 12,000 vehicles per hour in both directions.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of
'Al Safa Street Improvement Project is part of RTA's master plan to enhance the road network in the area, including the development of Umm Suqeim and Al Wasl Streets,' he said.
Supporting a thriving urban hub
The upgraded route passes through one of Dubai's busiest districts, home to major destinations such as City Walk, Coca-Cola Arena, top-tier schools, residential communities, and luxury hotels.
Al Tayer noted that the project enhances access to Downtown Dubai and connects with Financial Centre Street, an area inhabited by over one million residents.
'This district hosts a variety of tourism, cultural, and sporting events,' he added. 'It's essential that we support it with infrastructure that enables fluid movement and sustainable growth.'
Design that blends efficiency with aesthetics
Beyond functional upgrades, the project places strong emphasis on aesthetic and community-centric features. Plans include dedicated pedestrian walkways, cycling tracks, and vibrant urban spaces designed to promote interaction and enrich the public realm. Landscaping will also be integrated to soften the urban environment and improve livability.
Key infrastructure features
According to Al Tayer, the development encompasses the following major construction elements:
Bridge 1:
A four-lane bridge measuring 1,005 metres will serve traffic coming from Al Wasl Street toward Sheikh Zayed Road and Financial Centre Street. It will have an estimated capacity of 6,400 vehicles per hour.
Bridge 2:
This two-lane, 360-metre bridge will facilitate traffic from Al Satwa Road to Sheikh Zayed Road and Financial Centre Street. Capacity is estimated at 2,800 vehicles per hour.
Tunnel 1:
Spanning 1,005 metres with two lanes, this tunnel will support traffic moving from Sheikh Zayed Road and Financial Centre Street toward Al Wasl Street. It will handle 3,200 vehicles per hour.
Tunnel 2:
Located at the intersection of Al Wasl and Al Safa Streets, the 750-metre tunnel will feature two lanes in each direction and accommodate a total of 6,400 vehicles per hour.
In addition, Al Safa Street will be widened from three signalized lanes in each direction to four lanes, two of which will allow free-flow traffic and two controlled by signals.
Beyond the asphalt: Lighting, drainage, and utilities
The project also includes:
Upgraded lighting systems
Directional signage
Rainwater drainage infrastructure
Relocation and protection of utilities
These enhancements will contribute to a safer, more efficient roadway while maintaining service continuity for surrounding developments.
Part of a larger network upgrade
The Al Safa Street project is one piece of a multi-phase plan by RTA to transform Dubai's arterial corridors.
Al Wasl Street overhaul
Spanning 15 km from Umm Suqeim Street to 2nd December Street, the Al Wasl Street Development Project will include:
Six upgraded intersections
Five new tunnels totaling 3,850 metres
Widening the road from two to three lanes per direction
Travel time reduction of 50 per cent
Capacity increase from 8,000 to 12,000 vehicles per hour
Umm Suqeim Street expansion
Stretching 6 km from Jumeirah Street to Al Khail Road, this project will:
Upgrade six major intersections
Add four bridges and three tunnels with a total length of 4,100 metres
Increase road capacity to 16,000 vehicles per hour
Reduce travel time between Jumeirah and Al Khail Roads from 20 minutes to 6 minutes
Al Tayer emphasised that these interconnected projects will significantly improve connectivity between Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Khail Road, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, and Emirates Road.
'This network will meet current and future demands while promoting safety, efficiency, and sustainability across Dubai's road system,' he said.