Dubai's RTA has announced a major development project for Al Wasl Road, designed to expand road capacity and reduce travel times.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has unveiled a significant new project to revamp and upgrade Al Wasl Road. This initiative is a response to the city’s urban expansion, aimed at enhancing the quality of life for both its residents and visitors by accommodating population growth.

Sweeping Improvements to Al Wasl Road

The 15-kilometre development stretches from the Umm Suqeim Street intersection to the junction with 2nd December Street. As part of this project, the road will expand from two to three lanes in each direction, increasing capacity from 8,000 to 12,000 vehicles hourly and cutting travel times by 50%.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, highlighted that the Al Wasl Road Development Project is part of a comprehensive plan to upgrade the road network in the area, including enhancements to Umm Suqeim and Al Safa Streets.

"These initiatives focus on creative elements, pedestrian walkways, cycling tracks, boulevards, and urban spaces that promote community interaction," said Al Tayer. "The district encompasses numerous modern tourism and lifestyle destinations, serving over a million residents."

Key Features of the Project

The upgrade includes improvements to six intersections and the construction of five tunnels totaling 3.85km. Key intersections being upgraded include:

Al Thanya Street

Al Manara Street

Umm Al Sheif Street

Umm Amara Street

Al Orouba Street

Al Safa Street

The project will transform Al Satwa’s roundabout into a signalised junction and enhance five intersections along Jumeirah Street.

Impact on the Broader Road Network

This development is aligned with RTA’s plans to enhance Umm Suqeim Street, increasing its hourly capacity and reducing travel times significantly. It also involves constructing four bridges and three tunnels along Umm Suqeim with lengths totaling 4.1km.

The broader scheme includes improvements along Al Qudra Road, with enhanced intersections and bridges spanning 2,700 meters, reducing travel time significantly.