Dubai travel time slashed to 5 minutes with new RTA bridge

A Major Step Forward for Dubai’s Traffic Infrastructure

Dubai drivers are in for a major relief as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has officially opened a new bridge as part of the Oud Metha and Al Asayel Streets Development Project. This development is set to significantly ease congestion in one of the city’s most heavily trafficked areas, offering a much-needed boost to daily commutes.

The new bridge is part of a broader initiative aimed at improving traffic flow in key locations that connect Al Khail Road, Sheikh Rashid Road, Dubai–Al Ain Road, and Oud Metha. Once the entire project is completed by the end of August, travel times are expected to drop from 20 minutes to just five minutes. Additionally, road capacity will see a 50 percent increase, making it easier for over 420,000 residents to navigate the area by 2030.

Enhancing Commute Efficiency

The newly opened three-lane bridge can handle up to 3,600 vehicles per hour. It connects Al Khail Road to Al Asayel Street via Al Wasl Club Street, allowing drivers to bypass busy intersections and save both time and stress. The RTA has already completed 90 percent of the work, with two new tunnels and another bridge set to be finished by the end of August. These additions will help separate traffic at major junctions, further easing congestion.

Smoother Traffic Flow Through Strategic Design

The upcoming tunnels and bridges are designed with the goal of creating a more seamless driving experience:

• One tunnel will link the Oud Metha Street service road with Sheikh Rashid Road towards Bur Dubai, helping drivers avoid crowded surface junctions.
• A second tunnel will connect Dubai–Al Ain Road to Al Wasl Club Street, eliminating traffic overlaps in the area.
• A new bridge will provide a direct left turn from Al Asayel Street to Oud Metha Street, reducing long queues and improving traffic movement.

These improvements are not just about building more roads—they are about smart infrastructure solutions that separate traffic flows to different destinations, such as Bur Dubai, Business Bay Crossing, Dubai–Al Ain Road, and Al Khail Road. This ensures that drivers do not have to share the same spaces, leading to safer and more efficient travel.

Supporting Dubai’s Growing Population

Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, emphasized that this project is part of the Sheikh Rashid Corridor Development Project. It aligns with Dubai’s rapid growth under the leadership of the city’s visionaries.

“The project is one of the key infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing Dubai’s road network,” Al Tayer said. “It includes the improvement of four major intersections, the construction of bridges and two tunnels with a total length of 4,300 metres, and roads spanning 14 kilometres.”

He also highlighted how the upgrades will benefit key residential and service areas, including Zabeel, Al Jaddaf, Oud Metha, and Umm Hurair, as well as Latifa Hospital and Al Wasl Club. “The population of the areas served by the project is expected to exceed 420,000 by 2030,” he added.

Expanding Road Capacity and Reducing Travel Time

The project will significantly enhance road capacity on Oud Metha Street. Currently, it handles 10,400 vehicles per hour in both directions, but this is expected to rise to 15,600 vehicles per hour after the upgrades. This 50 percent increase will drastically reduce travel time from 20 minutes to just five minutes.

Smart Solutions for Daily Drivers

Rather than simply widening roads, the RTA is implementing smart designs that include bridges, tunnels, and dedicated lanes. These features help manage traffic flow more efficiently, ensuring smoother journeys for drivers heading to various parts of the city.

The project also involves improvements to local service roads, wider bridges, and additional lanes for safer driving conditions. Earlier this year, the RTA opened two other bridges in the area to connect Al Asayel Street to Al Wasl Club Street and Al Khail Road.

With the final stages of the project nearly complete, Dubai residents can look forward to faster, safer, and more comfortable daily commutes.