The one-way, circuitstyle road network of Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) is here to stay.
Last week, at the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre's (DMMC) launch of the first water-filled lake in the mixeduse precinct, it was confirmed that the development's roads would remain in their present form.
Bryan Wilson, executive director – properties at DMCC, said that the one-way roads at JLT would remain after the development was completed."The road system was modelled on a population of 170,000 people," he said.
"Studies showed that it would be safer to implement a four-lane, one-way road network to avoid a left-lane crossing system."
At present, many residents of the area have to drive an additional 2-3km every day just to exit the development, which has a circuit of looping roads configured like number 8.
Despite this, access to Shaikh Zayed Road is considerably better than nearby areas such as Dubai Marina, The Springs or The Greens.
Wilson explained that when the project is completed, the roads will be linked to two interchanges on
Shaikh Zayed Road in addition to the Western Parallel Road, providing excellent road access for residents. "Once things stabilise, location will ontribute a lot to property values here. In addition to the good road access, the area will have two Metro stations and will be close to the new upcoming airport."
Ahmad Bin Sulayem, executive chairman of DMCC, confirmed the roads were here to stay. "People may not like the roads now, but they will thank me in a few years time, when they compare it to other areas," he said.
Bin Sulayemalso confirmed that JLT would be fully completed in 2011, noting that most developments were on schedule.
"Most of the developers are moving as fast as they can, except for two of them. It's moving well."
