The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai has announced a series of key road projects aimed at easing traffic congestion and reducing travel times across the city, as the number of vehicles during daytime hours reaches a staggering 3.5 million. This figure represents a significant 10 percent increase in registered vehicles over the past two years, surpassing the global average of 2-4 percent.
Despite this surge in traffic volume, Dubai maintains a commendable ranking in the global journey time index. According to the 2023 TomTom Global Traffic Index, the emirate records an average journey time of just 12 minutes and 50 seconds for a 10km trip within the central business district—considerably quicker than major cities like Singapore and London.
During a review of RTA initiatives by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, plans were unveiled for the Dh16-billion Main Roads Development Plan (2024-2027). This ambitious program encompasses 22 projects benefiting over six million residents.
Among the key initiatives is the Latifa bint Hamdan Street project, set to begin next year, which will expand road capacity significantly and cut travel time by 15-20 percent. Other notable projects include the Meydan Road development, which aims to streamline traffic flow and reduce travel time to just four minutes, and enhancements to Al Mustaqbal Street, where construction of new bridges and tunnels will lower travel time from eight minutes to just over three.
Additionally, the RTA has awarded contracts for the Trade Centre Roundabout development, set to transform traffic management, and major upgrades along Umm Suqeim and Al Qudra Streets, significantly boosting capacity and reducing travel time from 46 minutes to 11.
These comprehensive initiatives underscore Dubai's commitment to advancing urban mobility and infrastructure to accommodate its rapidly growing population and vehicle numbers.
News Source: Khaleej Times
