Sharjah gridlock drives motorists to new routes

Sharjah: Frustrated motorists are avoiding the gridlock at the National Paints roundabout and are seeking alternative ways to reach their work destinations in Dubai.

The traffic jams on the National Paint Flyover are huge as the six-lane road is reduced to three lanes.

The plan to install an intersection with a traffic light signal at the National Paints roundabout has been discarded, according to a senior official at the Sharjah Directorate of Public Works.

"Even though Dhaid Road is a considerably longer route, it definitely saves time than getting stuck on National Paints flyover. The only problem is when there is an accident," said Abdul Hassan.

Motorists who want to go to Dubai can use the alternative road by taking the route around the city through Al Dhaid Road, and taking the exit at Interchange 7, which connects to Dubai Bypass road.

Residents travelling from Al Majaz can use the cloverleaf interchange that will lead them directly to the industrial areas and straight to the schools along University City Road.

Another alternative route away from the Ring Road is at 3rd Industrial Road leading to Al Hadeeb Square, which is commonly known as GNP roundabout.

Even though Dhaid Road is a considerably longer route, it definitely saves time than getting stuck on National Paints flyover."

Express road advantage

The new express road with three lanes that was opened last week at the clover-leaf interchange on Sharjah Ring Road came as a much needed breather for parents and pupils. The University City exit takes motorists to the school area and the University City. Motorists coming from Dubai can use Dubai Bypass that will lead them to the National Paints Roundabout, which will also lead them to the schools area. "The new express road does not really save time because you then get stuck with other drivers who are going to the National Paints flyover," said Jouana Saud, a mother of two.