Fifth interchange will undergo redesign

A completely redesigned traffic complex will replace Shaikh Zayed Road's fifth interchange, said an official at Dubai Municipality.

"This is one of the most congested parts of Shaikh Zayed Road, in terms of traffic, due to the massive residential and commercial projects being built nearby," said Hashim Al Hashim, head of the road planning section.

The new interchange will ease traffic congestion by providing freeway access, he said.

People living or working in such areas as Dubai Marina, Media City, Internet City, Al Nakheel Lake Towers and Emirates Golf Club will benefit from the new interchange, he said.

"Construction will start within two months. It will be completed in about 18 months," Al Hashim said. Alternate routes will be provided to ensure traffic flows easily during construction, he said.

Traffic congestion at the fifth interchange has increased, said Dilawar Malek, who works at a hotel near Dubai Marina. "The interchange is very busy. You have to wait a long time to cross, and there are many accidents because of the congestion," he said.

"A large number of residential and commercial complexes and skyrises are being built in the area around the interchange," Maliaka D. said. "A better road network and a bigger interchange will help everyone cope with the increasing traffic," she said.

The new interchange is part of the Shaikh Zayed Road improvement plan initiated by the municipality, Al Hashim said. "We have already constructed new interchanges at interchanges numbers two and four. Another is under construction at interchange number three. We have also constructed two new bridges one between interchanges two and three, and another between interchanges four and five," he said.

New facility

• Work on the new interchange will start within two months. It will be completed in about 18 months.
• The new interchange will ease traffic congestion in the area.
• The road network will serve people living or working in such areas as Dubai Marina, Media City, Internet City, Al Nakheel Lake Towers and Emirates Golf Club.
• Alternative routes will be provided during the construction period.