Emirates Road closed for Sharjah-bound traffic

Dubai: One side of the Emirates Road, from Dubai to Sharjah, has been shut down at around 12.10pm on Tuesday due to heavy flooding in Sharjah, said a senior official.

“We have diverted Sharjah-bound traffic on Emirates towards Outer Bypass Road to avoid traffic mess due to flooding on the road,” said Hussain Al Banna, Assistant of RTA Emergency and Crises Team of the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority.

Interactive map: Flood hotspots in the UAE

Al Banna said that the traffic is being diverted to Outer Bypass Road from Dubai-Al Ain Interchange and Dubai-Al Aweer Interchange on the Emirates Road. He advised the motorists to avoid taking the Emirates Road until late evenings to avoid heavy traffic congestion and instead take alternate routes.

Heavy rains have played havoc on the roads causing flooding on major roads and leading to traffic jams especially in Sharjah.

Al Banna told Gulf News that all other Dubai roads are open to traffic. “Although, there are reports of some traffic congestion and water accumulation on some roads, the situation is totally under control,” he added.

He said the RTA teams are continuously pumping the water from the flooded roads to keep the traffic moving.

He advised the motorists to avoid any unnecessary trips and also drive slow on flooded streets.