Dubai: At least 1,600 additional parking slots will soon be available in the congested areas of Deira’s seafront, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai announced on Tuesday.

Roads in Dubai’s old and busy districts along the seafront of Deira will also be redeveloped as part of a major plan to improve road networks and ensure smoother movement of traffic.

RTA announced that it has approved a set of traffic solutions to be implemented in the Central Business District (CBD) and Deira seafront.

According to RTA, the step is part of the authority’s periodic assessment of the performance of road networks, while also taking into account public complaints relating to traffic congestion and shortage of parking spaces in the neighbourhood.

A senior RTA official said that the solutions are being designed according to the needs and requirements of different areas, taking into account the projected increase in traffic density, growing demand for parking spaces, and mega development and service projects in the area.

“The RTA has endorsed traffic solutions for the Deira market expansion project in coordination with the project developer, Investment Corporation of Dubai. Accordingly, additional road network and parking spaces will be constructed in addition to integrated public transport systems to ensure smooth traffic flow in the area,” said Maitha Bin Udai, CEO of Traffic and Roads Agency at RTA.

Among the new developments along the Deira seafront is the new Deira wharfage, which was recently moved opposite Hyatt Regency, as well as the new Fish Market opposite Dubai Hospital, which is in the final stage of completion. Also, a new beach has been developed along the seafront along with the development of Deira island.

The Corniche Road along the Deira wharfage is currently under construction, which will see the road expanded to accommodate increasing traffic.

A huge parking lot has also been developed near the new Deira wharfage.

“The approved plan included the provision of service roads, smooth entrances and exits, in addition to about 1,600 parking slots to accommodate extra numbers of vehicles associated with the new projects. The RTA has already started the construction of service roads together with the entrances and exits for the new fish market project in coordination with the Dubai Municipality, and the project is expected to be completed by the end of this year,” Maitha added.

She said: “Considering continuous changes and the growing number of development projects at the Deira waterfront, the RTA is keen to work out a comprehensive road network and public transport plan for the area based primarily on the projected traffic volumes, while keeping an eye on the timetables set for completion of investment and services projects.”

A traffic study is currently under way to look into the requirements of the area, particularly Al Shindagha, which is a major strategic hub that serves all development projects from Al Khaleej Street to Al Mina Street, including the Deira Islands development project, new fish market, Deira market expansion project, Port Rashid, and Dubai Maritime City.