The Roads and Transport Authority has announced that Al Maktoum Bridge, for scheduled maintenance works, would start going on semi-operational hours effective until 16th January 2025.

RTA made the announcement on Thursday, detailing how this new operational hour would affect motorists since they would have to plan their journeys accordingly. The bridge shall be closed to traffic daily from Monday through Saturday between 11 pm and 5 am. It shall be totally closed on Sundays. This indeed will be necessary for maintenance work to continue with the aim of sustaining the bridge usable for a long period and ensuring safety for all road users.

Because of this, the RTA has implemented several diversions to be in place for commuters who would want to travel from Deira en route to Bur Dubai. In the process, such diversions shall ease the traffic burden and congestion on the other key roads within Dubai. Motorists are advised to plan in advance of their travel schedules, particularly during peak travel hours, so as to avoid congestion in their commutes. The aim is to reduce the inconvenience caused by the repairs while allowing the necessary fixing to proceed smoothly.

Motorists traveling from Deira towards Bur Dubai are advised to take several diversion routes: to the Infinity Bridge via Baniyas Road, Al Khaleej Street, and Corniche Street. Traffic will flow smoothly between the two regions using this route that bypasses the bridge in question. Another option is the Al Shindagha Tunnel, accessible via Baniyas Road and Al Khaleej Street. Both of these routes are easy alternatives to the Al Maktoum Bridge while en route to Bur Dubai.

Other ways to go from Deira to Bur Dubai are by going through the Al Garhoud Bridge via Baniyas Road and Sheikh Rashid Road. Cross by the Business Bay Crossing Bridge via Baniyas Road, Sheikh Rashid Road, and Rebat Street. These routes ease the flow of traffic, which would all cross the Al Maktoum Bridge and allow smooth passage of traffic across town.

For those coming from Bur Dubai going to Deira, the RTA has also suggested a few important alternatives. One is by using the Infinity Bridge or Al Shindagha Tunnel via Tariq Bin Ziyad Road, Khalid Bin Al Waleed Road, and Al Khaleej Street, which both directly lead back to Deira. Other feasible directions are through Al Garhoud Bridge via Oud Metha Road and Sheikh Rashid Road. 

Finally, the other option for drivers is to take the Business Bay Crossing Bridge from Oud Metha and Al Khail Road to their destination in Deira.
The routes the RTA has suggested will save drivers from delays and congestion when not necessary by ensuring smooth passage during the maintenance phase of the bridge. Al Maktoum Bridge is part of Dubai's wider program to ensure longevity and efficiency in all Emirate infrastructure, making sure the roads of the city are safer and more reliable for all users. Although temporary closures may cause some inconvenience to motorists, the RTA is optimistic that motorists who plan their journeys in advance and make use of alternative routes will have very minimal disruption during the period of maintenance.