Latest news with #roadExpansion
The National
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The National
UAE launches Dh750m Emirates Road expansion plan to cut congestion
The UAE on Monday launched a Dh750 million expansion plan for one of the country's busiest transport links in support of a nationwide drive to combat congestion. Emirates Road development project – which is being led by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure – will extend the number of lanes from three to five on a 25km stretch linking the Al Badee Interchange in Sharjah to Umm Al Quwain. The move will boost the capacity of the route to 9,000 vehicles per hour – an increase of 65 per cent. The scheme will also include a comprehensive upgrade of Interchange No 7 on Emirates Road, through the construction of six new bridges able to serve a combined 13,200 vehicles every hour. Work on the project is scheduled to begin in September and is expected to take two years to complete. The ministry said the road revamp is intended to reduce travel time by up to 45 per cent for commuters travelling from Ras Al Khaimah through Umm Al Quwain and Sharjah to Dubai, and vice versa. Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, said the initiative is part of the ministry's efforts to develop practical and sustainable solutions to traffic congestion. 'This project represents a significant step towards realising the UAE's vision of establishing an integrated road network that meets the needs of the population and economic growth,' he said. 'Enhancing road efficiency and upgrading key interchanges will reduce daily travel times, improve community satisfaction, and support sustainable development by ensuring smooth traffic flow that enhances quality of life. It also reflects the country's commitment to delivering innovative solutions for improving transportation, reducing congestion-related emissions, and raising overall living standards.' Emirates Road – also known as the E611 – spans 110km and is a vital alternative route to Sheikh Zayed Road and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road for drivers in Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Ajman and Sharjah. It allows motorists to travel to Abu Dhabi without having to go through central Dubai. Congestion-cutting plans Authorities across the Emirates are stepping up road-building efforts to help meet the demands of a rapidly growing population. Abu Dhabi's population crossed 4 million for the first time last month, while Dubai is fast approaching the same figure. A recent survey revealed that traffic jams continue to be the primary source of frustration for motorists. The research, based on the canvassing of 1,021 people in the country, found that 86 per cent of motorists 'typically experience traffic congestion '. Four fifths of respondents in the RoadSafety UAE and Al Wathba Insurance study said they have noticed heavier traffic congestion year on year. The UAE has introduced congestion charges as one means to ease traffic flow on the country's roads. Dubai introduced its road toll system, Salik, in 2007 and the system has since been extended and modified, notably through this year's introduction of dynamic pricing, with levies increasing at peak times. Abu Dhabi's Darb road toll system, which was introduced four and a half years ago, charges at peak hours in the morning and early evening. Many other measures could alleviate the UAE's traffic woes. Surveys last year by Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and the Dubai Government Human Resources Department found flexible working hours and more working from home could cut peak-hour traffic by as much as 30 per cent. The government is also encouraging residents to swap their cars for public transport. The Blue Line expansion of the Dubai Metro and ambitious plans for the Etihad Rail train network are central to the strategy.
Gulf Business
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Gulf Business
UAE's Emirates Road revamp: What's changing and how it affects you
Image credit: WAM/Website The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure in the UAE has announced the launch of a major project aimed at developing and enhancing the capacity of Emirates Road. This initiative forms part of a comprehensive national plan to tackle the persistent issue of traffic congestion and improve transportation efficiency across the country. The project reflects the UAE's ongoing commitment to building smart, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure that supports economic growth objectives, raises the quality of life for residents, and enhances the overall efficiency of the federal road network, Major road expansion and interchange upgrades The Emirates Road development project involves a significant expansion of the existing road, increasing it from three to five lanes in each direction over a 25-kilometre stretch. The expansion will run from Al Badee Interchange in Sharjah to the border of Umm Al Quwain, effectively increasing the road's capacity to handle approximately 9,000 vehicles per hour. This marks a 65 per cent increase in capacity, aiming to substantially ease traffic flow on this heavily used route. Read- In addition to lane expansion, the project includes a comprehensive upgrade of Interchange No. 7 on Emirates Road. This will involve the construction of six directional bridges covering a total length of 12.6 kilometres, capable of accommodating up to 13,200 vehicles per hour. The development will also feature the construction of collector roads on both sides of Emirates Road, spanning 3.4 kilometres to better manage local traffic and enhance accessibility. Timeline, cost, and expected impact With an estimated budget of Dhs750m, the project is scheduled to begin in September 2025 and is expected to be completed within two years. The upgrades aim not only to regulate traffic flow but also to ensure the highest safety standards for all road users. Once complete, commuters traveling from Ras Al Khaimah, through Umm Al Quwain and Sharjah to Dubai, and vice versa, can expect travel time reductions of up to 45 per cent. This improvement will benefit thousands of daily commuters and commercial transport operations, significantly enhancing the movement of goods and services across the UAE. Addressing traffic congestion with innovative solutions The Emirates Road project is considered one of the key solutions to the UAE's traffic congestion challenges. By increasing road capacity and improving interchange efficiency, the initiative is poised to reduce traffic density and enhance the flow of vehicles along one of the most heavily trafficked federal roads. The project will be executed in accordance with the highest international standards for infrastructure design and construction, ensuring optimal traffic efficiency, superior quality, and safety. It also aligns with the UAE's broader strategy of implementing smart infrastructure solutions that contribute to sustainable urban development. Government commitment to sustainable development Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, emphasized the project's significance during its announcement. He stated, 'This project represents a significant step toward realising the UAE's vision of establishing an integrated road network that meets the needs of our population and supports economic growth.' Al Mazrouei highlighted that enhancing road efficiency and upgrading key interchanges will reduce daily travel times, improve community satisfaction, and promote sustainable development by ensuring smooth traffic flow that enhances quality of life. He added that the project reflects the country's commitment to delivering innovative solutions for improving transportation, reducing congestion-related emissions, and raising overall living standards. Aligning with national and global goals 'This project is part of a comprehensive vision aimed at enhancing the country's transport and road infrastructure network according to the highest engineering and technical standards,' Al Mazrouei explained. 'It positions the UAE among the world's leading nations in providing sustainable infrastructure that meets future needs and supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.' He also noted that the project will facilitate integrated logistics services, supporting the nation's ambitions for economic diversification and growth. Expert insights on implementation and benefits Eng. Hassan Al Mansouri, Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Transport Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, provided further details on the project's implementation. 'The development will follow the highest international standards in road and infrastructure planning, with a strong emphasis on ensuring long-term sustainability,' he said. Al Mansouri pointed out that the improvements will significantly enhance traffic flow, particularly for transit movement between cities across the UAE. He reiterated the importance of Emirates Road as a vital federal highway managed by the Ministry, serving as a key artery for both passenger and freight transportation. Conclusion The Emirates Road capacity enhancement project stands as a critical investment in the UAE's future transportation infrastructure. With its focus on increasing capacity, improving safety, and reducing congestion, the project will play a pivotal role in supporting the country's economic development and quality of life for its residents. As it moves forward, the initiative is expected to serve as a benchmark for sustainable road infrastructure projects across the region.
