Dubai RTA announces new bridge to cut travel time on Dubai-Al Ain Road

Dubai: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) on Monday announced that it is to construct a bridge that will reduce travel time from Dubai–Al Ain Road to Nad Al Sheba by 83%, cutting the journey from six minutes to just one.

The two-lane bridge in Nad Al Sheba, spanning approximately 700 metres, will serve residential communities in Nad Al Sheba and provide direct connection for inbound traffic from Dubai–Al Ain Road towards Al Ain

With a design capacity of 2,600 vehicles per hour, the project enables smooth and efficient traffic flow for an area home to around 30,000 residents, while also easing congestion at entry and exit points throughout Nad Al Sheba area.

Construction of the new bridge is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025, with completion targeted for the fourth quarter of  2026.

RTA said the project reflects RTA’s strong commitment to infrastructure development and to enhancing the efficiency of Dubai’s road network. "It addresses the emirate’s rapid population growth and urban expansion, particularly in residential areas, while upholding the highest standards of traffic safety and seamless mobility. These targets align with the leadership’s vision to position Dubai as the best city in the world for living and mobility," the authority said.

Earlier, RTA had inaugurated a major bridge at the intersection of Nad Al Sheba Street and Dubai–Al Ain Road. Spanning 170 metres and featuring two lanes in each direction, the bridge facilitates traffic flow from Dubai–Al Ain Road towards Nad Al Sheba, Meydan, and nearby development projects.

As part of the wider project, RTA also carried out comprehensive traffic enhancements in the vicinity of several schools, including Repton School and Al Khaleej International School, which together serve approximately 10,000 students. These improvements included the addition of parking spaces and designated pick-up and drop-off areas, leading to smoother traffic flow and improved road safety during peak hours.

As part of the enhancements in Nad Al Sheba, an intersection at the junction of Latifa bint Hamdan Street and Nad Al Sheba Street was converted into a roundabout, resulting in a 50% reduction in delay time and improved traffic flow.

The RTA also constructed new entry and exit points from Meydan Street to the residential area, which contributed to a 60% reduction in travel time, enhancing mobility for residents and visitors.

To support the area’s internal infrastructure, the RTA also delivered an integrated road network, including internal roads and additional access points in Nad Al Sheba 1, 3, and 4. These developments have improved connectivity between neighbourhoods and increased the efficiency of the local collector road network.

The construction of the new bridge in Nad Al Sheba, is part of RTA’s strategic direction to achieve safer and more efficient mobility. It requires launching proactive and sustainable road projects and traffic solutions that support the future of mobility in the emirate, reducing travel times for motorists to and from the area, addressing the needs of residents and visitors to nearby neighbourhoods, and ultimately contributing to enhancing the quality of life.

"These projects reflect RTA’s commitment to realising its vision of delivering a flexible and integrated infrastructure that keeps pace with the emirate’s rapid urban development. They also underscore the Authority’s continued efforts to achieve seamless and sustainable mobility."

In parallel, RTA said, it remains committed to listening to the public feedback and incorporating residents’ input into future development plans, reflecting a culture of collaboration and active community engagement. Collectively, these projects support RTA’s strategic objectives of enhancing the efficiency of the road network, improving traffic safety, and strengthening Dubai’s global leadership in smooth and sustainable mobility.