Travel time on these Dubai roads cut by 60 per cent

DUbai: Several traffic solutions implemented in Dubai in 2024 have not just enhanced road network efficiency, but also improved vehicle flow, and reduced travel times by up to 60 per cent at 50 locations, a top official of the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority said on Sunday.

These road works have also increased road capacity by up to 20 per cent in several areas, said Hussain Al Banna, CEO of Traffic and Roads Agency at RTA.

Al Banna added: “These improvements have played a crucial role in optimising vehicle movement on major roads while increasing the capacity of road networks as well as entry and exit points. Key locations that underwent enhancements include the widening of Beirut Street, upgrades at the intersection of Al Khawaneej Street and Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Street, lane expansions from Al Rebat Street to Business Bay Crossing, the expansion of the exit from Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road to Al Rebat Street, and the creation of a new route linking Al Khail Road to Meydan Street.

Projects around schools

Al Banna said RTA carried out eight traffic improvement projects covering more than 37 schools across Dubai in 2024.

“These projects included widening roads around school zones, creating additional parking spaces, enhancing entry and exit points, and introducing traffic diversions to alleviate congestion and minimise waiting times. As a result, peak-hour traffic flow improved by 20 per cent.”

The enhancements spanned several schools across Dubai, including Kings’ School on Umm Suqeim Street, The International School of Choueifat - Dubai, and Dubai College on Hessa Street, along with schools in Al Safa, Al Warqa 4, Al Qusais, Al Mizhar, Nad Al Sheba, and Al Twar 2. These improvements have enhanced road efficiency and traffic safety while reducing travel times in school zones, ensuring a safer and smoother commuting experience for students, parents, and schoolgoers.

Al Rebat Street

RTA extended Exit 55 leading to Al Rebat Street by 600 metres, increasing the number of lanes from two to three. These enhancements expanded the road’s capacity to 4,500 vehicles per hour and cut travel time from 10 minutes to just four minutes, a 60 per cent improvement, enhancing mobility on Dubai’s key roads.

Nad Al Sheba

As part of efforts to optimise traffic flow in Nad Al Sheba, RTA introduced a new entry and exit for vehicles arriving from Meydan Street and converted the intersection of Latifa Bint Hamdan Street with Nad Al Sheba Street into a roundabout.

These enhancements reduced travel time by 60 per cent and improved traffic flow, ensuring more efficient and convenient access to the area.

Plans for 2025

Al Banna said, “RTA is set to implement over 75 traffic improvements across key areas in Dubai throughout 2025. The planned enhancements include expanding and upgrading major intersections, constructing new entry and exit points in residential and commercial areas, and introducing a series of rapid traffic solutions in school zones. We will continue to strengthen Dubai’s position as one of the world’s leading cities in infrastructure quality, seamless mobility, and sustainable transportation.”