Dubai: Motorists using Maktoum Bridge will face less traffic congestion in future as the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has decided to expand the bridge.
"Two lanes will be added to the bridge from Deira to Bur Dubai side by using space left between both directions of the bridge," said Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive of the RTA.
Al Tayer said the a new 500 metre strip would be added to the existing width of the bridge once the existing gap in the centre of the bridge is closed.
Improvement
It will help create a six lane carriageway, which will help eliminate the existing weaving problem while approaching the bridge from Deira side and ease traffic congestion.
After the project is complete, the number of lanes from Deira to Bur Dubai side will increase from the existing four lanes to six lanes.
The RTA has awarded a Dh64 million contract for the project, which will be completed by the end of this year.
One lane will be added to the bridge for motorists coming from Shaikh Zayed Road on Umm Al Hurair Road to cross Dubai Creek using Al Maktoum Bridge to go to Deira side.
The number of lanes from this direction will be increased from the existing two to three.
The project also includes improvement and expansion of the Khalid Bin Walid Road to ease traffic flow from the Bur Dubai to Deira side.
Several road expansion projects are under way to improve the traffic situation in the city. RTA had recently announced the expansion of a section of Al Ittihad Road.
Your comments
This is great, but when will they start the project?
Sathish
Dubai,UAE
Finally, the RTA has come up with a plan to expand roads. This issue has to be taken care of as soon as possible as travelling to Deira is a nightmare. I wish the RTA could also help in solving the problem of motorists travelling from Shaikh Zayed road to the Maktoum Bridge.
Ruben
Dubai,UAE
Well done RTA for expanding roads an easing traffic snarls. How about improving the bus services as well?
Rashleigh
Dubai,UAE
It is a pleasure to hear this news about creating bridges to control traffic jams.
Mohamed
Dubai,UAE
I thank the government for initiating the project, which I hope will shorten my travel time. Because of the expected traffic jam, I normally get out of the house at 6:30am to reach my office near Shaikh Zayed Road at 8:30.
Rachel
Dubai,UAE
It's a necessary step, but this step is unable to solve the traffic problems at all.
Juergen
RAK,UAE
