Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced a significant development project on Al Safa Street. The goal is to reduce travel time along the corridor from 12 minutes to just 3 minutes. This comes as part of RTA’s broader strategy to improve traffic flow and road efficiency across the city.
Widening Roads, Smart Signals, and More
The upgrade covers a 1.5-kilometre stretch between Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Wasl Street. The road will be widened from three to four lanes in each direction. Two of these lanes will allow uninterrupted traffic flow, while the remaining two will be regulated by traffic signals.
This approach is designed to ease congestion, particularly during rush hours, and distribute vehicle movement more effectively across the corridor.
Bridges, Tunnels, and Increased Capacity
The project also includes the construction of two bridges and two tunnels. Together, these structures span over 3,000 metres.
The construction of Bridges
- The first bridge will have four lanes spanning over 1,005 meters, serving approximately 6,400 vehicles per hour travelling from Al Wasl Street towards Sheikh Zayed Road and Financial Centre Street.
- The second bridge, featuring two lanes, will span 360 meters and accommodate traffic from Al Satwa Road towards Sheikh Zayed Road and Financial Centre Street, with a capacity of 2,800 vehicles per hour.
The Construction of Tunnels
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One tunnel will connect Sheikh Zayed Road and Financial Centre Street with Al Wasl Street. It is 1,005 metres long and consists of two lanes, designed to carry up to 3,200 vehicles per hour.
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The second tunnel, located at the intersection of Al Wasl Street and Al Safa Street, measures 750 metres. It features two lanes in each direction and is expected to handle approximately 6,400 vehicles per hour.
Once the project is completed, the road’s total capacity will increase from 6,000 to 12,000 vehicles per hour in both directions.
Pedestrian and Community Infrastructure
The development is not limited to vehicular upgrades. It also includes several community-focused features. These involve dedicated pedestrian walkways, cycling tracks, and landscaped spaces. The aim is to create a road that serves both motorists and residents in the surrounding neighbourhoods.
According to RTA Director General Mattar Al Tayer, the Al Safa project aligns with Dubai’s long-term mobility strategy. “We are improving road efficiency while creating a balanced environment for residents, drivers, and pedestrians,” he stated.
These additions align with Dubai’s broader efforts to encourage active transportation and create more accessible public spaces.
Long-Term Benefits
The Al Safa Street project is expected to significantly improve movement between major roads such as Sheikh Zayed Road, Financial Centre Street, and Al Wasl Street. It will reduce traffic delays, streamline commuting times, and make the corridor more efficient overall.
By upgrading intersections and modernising traffic signal systems, the RTA is working toward a more responsive and reliable road network. The investment also reflects Dubai’s continued focus on sustainable urban development, aiming to balance traffic efficiency with livability.
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