RTA opens Al Maktoum & Al Soufoh-Al Barsha bridges

Widening works in Al Maktoum Bridge have been completed as part of an integrated project aiming at increasing the number of lanes crossing Dubai Creek, which are currently 38 lanes. The aim of this project is to ease traffic jam and increase traffic flow at both directions in this vital crossing linking the two parts of Dubai city. She added that Al Soufoh -Al Barsha Bridge, which has also been opened for traffic, extends across Sheikh Zayed Road and consists of two lanes in each direction linking Al Barsha and Al Soufoh areas.

Opening of these two bridges comes as part of the Strategic Plan of the RTA with goals matching with the key perspectives & goals of Dubai Strategic Plan. The plan envisages developing and expanding networks by adding further 500 km of roads, increasing the number of lanes crossing the Creek to 47 lanes by 2008 and up to 100 lanes by 2020. It also includes constructing ring road, renovating flyovers, and developing intelligent traffic systems.

Engineer Maitha bin Adai, CEO of Traffic & Roads Agency stated that these vital projects demonstrate the assiduous efforts put by the RTA in order to alleviate the severe traffic congestion of roads in the emirate and provide Safe & Smooth Transport for All. "These efforts are reflected in constructing a series of new projects and improvement works made in a number of key roads in the emirate. They aim at upgrading roads efficiency, and providing sophisticated services at residential areas. These projects are viewed as part of RTA strategy and the ongoing efforts to keep pace with the massive urban development, and meet the requirements of development & demographic growth in the emirate" she said.

Engineer Maitha explained that improvements completed at Bur Dubai side of Al Maktoum Bridge included widening of roads leading and linking to the bridge as well as widening the access to the Bridge at Umm Harir Road from two to three lanes. "This is bound to increase the capacity of the Bridge and ease congestion of outbound traffic from Sheikh Zayed Road towards Deira. Improvements also included roads leading to the Bridge from Deira area" she added.

She further elaborated that improvements & widening works of the Bridge, including the movable part, covered increasing the number of lanes from Deira to Bur Dubai from four to six lanes throughout the Bridge. This has been made possible by utilizing the existing space between the movable parts of the Bridge. Such improvements will step-up the capacity of the Bridge and ensure highest possible traffic safety levels.

These widening works are part of integrated plans aiming at alleviating traffic congestion at Al Maktoum Bridge, which has a traffic volume of around 250 thousand vehicle per day, at a rate of 9500 vehicles per hour at peak times.

In another perspective engineer Maitha stated that Al Soufoh -Al Barsha Bridge, which has been constructed across Sheikh Zayed Road and opened shortly for traffic, is a vital part of a massive project extending 11 km aiming at improving roads network at Al Soufoh area. The project, which started at the end of May 2006 and is progressing according to schedule at a cost of AED210 million, includes constructing of a tunnel parallel to Sheikh Zayed Road & Al Soufoh Road, linking Umm Suqeim with Knowledge Village. It also includes traffic signals, roads lighting, and protecting & diverting utility lines. The project will be fully completed by the end of November 2007.

She highlighted the importance considering Al Soufoh area as one of the vital areas of Dubai which witnessed remarkable urban & service developments in the past period. "RTA is keen to make essential development of roads network in a way compatible with the nature of development sustained by the area; a matter warranting developing the existing network, identifying alternative routes for inhabitants & visitors of the emirate, and easing traffic pressure on key spots" she commented.

"By announcing such projects RTA is demonstrating its keen attention to maintain the ongoing links with the public and brief road users in Dubai on the progress of the projects underway. It also highlights efforts made by the RTA to improve roads network, minimize traffic congestion in Dubai, and provide sophisticated services at residential areas. This will contribute to meeting requirements of growth & demographic expansion, and providing practical & comprehensive solutions to ensure smooth traffic flow, in an attempt to realize the vision of the RTA of "providing safe & small transport for all" in the emirate.