Video: All main roads in Dubai to be covered by Intelligent Traffic Systems
Road network covered will extend from 480km to 710km as project Phase II design begins
Dubai: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has started the study and design of Phase II of the Intelligent Traffic Systems (ITS) Improvement and Expansion Project, in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
This phase aims to cover 100 per cent of the emirate’s main roads and adopt the latest intelligent technologies and software, such as the Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS), expanding the use of advanced ITS technologies, and conducting a benchmarking study with leading cities in the field of transport.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at RTA, said, “Phase II of the ITS project will expand the coverage of the main road network from the current 60 to 100 per cent by 2026. Accordingly, the length of the road network covered by the system will extend from 480km to 710km. This expansion will enhance road network management and traffic flow through better monitoring, faster response times to incidents, and providing instant information to the public about the condition of the road network via new Variable Message Signs (VMS) and smart applications to help distribute traffic effectively. The project enhances personal mobility by integrating modern and advanced technologies and self-driving transport solutions thanks to providing a comprehensive ITS infrastructure designed to meet current and future needs.”
Enhancing connectivity
Al Tayer said: “The initial phase of the project included the addition of 116 traffic surveillance cameras, bringing the total to 311 cameras, the installation of 100 incident monitoring and vehicle counting devices, increasing the total to 227 devices, installing 112 Variable Message Signs (VMS) that relay real time information about road conditions, fitting 115 travel time and speed measurement devices, setting up 17 weather sensor stations, and constructing 660km of electric power lines and a fibre optic network with a total length of 820km.
"The project has improved incident monitoring by 63 per cent, reduced response times by 30 per cent, enhanced traffic flow, increased traffic management efficiency, and reduced journey times by 20 per cent through Variable Message Signs (VMS). These results were facilitated by using VMS, enhanced linkage and integration with the Enterprise Command and Control Centre and the Dubai Police General HQ.”
AI technologies
RTA manages traffic in the emirate through the Dubai Intelligent Traffic Systems Centre at Al Barsha. The centre employs innovative technologies and traffic management systems to meet Dubai’s expansion and make it one of the world’s leading cities in ITS, alongside Singapore and Seoul.
The Dubai ITS Centre is a crucial hub for managing traffic in Dubai. It has an integrated technology platform which utilizes artificial intelligence, big data, the Internet of Things, advanced communication systems, and various monitoring devices to provide smart services and gather important information.
The centre oversees Dubai’s current and future road networks and maintains a 100% connection to the traffic lights control system. It also features an advanced traffic control system called “iTraffic,” enhanced by AI technologies and big data analysis tools to support decision-making. The centre’s responsibilities include ensuring the smooth flow of traffic, managing incidents and emergencies, monitoring operational systems, and reporting malfunctions.