Cheer for rush-hour motorists

Sharjah: Motorists commuting between Dubai and Sharjah are jubilant over the Al Ittihad Road improvement project announced yesterday.

Sharjah residents especially heaved a sigh of relief although they have to wait for two more years to beat the traffic congestion.

"It will be a dream come true," said Noushad, an accountant. However, he was concerned about the traffic bottlenecks during the construction period.

End of detours?

"There's a lot of traffic on that road and the congestion is horrible. That is the main reason why I never use it and take the Emirates highway instead even though I end up driving a longer distance and consuming more petrol. Otherwise, I would leave home at 6am and not get to my workplace in Deira until 8am," said Alia Hussain, who lives in Sharjah but works in Dubai.

"The majority of the traffic jams begin from Dubai until Al Garhoud Bridge and I think it's about time that something is done about it. It takes more than an hour and a half to get anywhere from Sharjah, and it can be very stressful at times," said Juliette Daniel.

"The worst is when people switch lanes and there isn't any space to move, so it becomes chaotic. The new expansion will be great, because by the time I get to the office I am stressed out," she said. "There should be a new underpass to help the traffic in the mornings and I think it will be successful. The traffic in Dubai cannot be compared to Sharjah's, as it is a large business city," said Fatima Mohammad.

"It is a much needed project," said Mary John.

"The anxiety for me is not the traffic but the lack of lane discipline. I leave home at 6am and do not get to my office until 8:30am, and every day I am scared that I am going to meet with an accident because the people drive so terribly."