The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai has awarded a contract worth AED600 million (USD $163.3 million) for the Oud Metha and Al Asayel Streets Development Project. This is part of the broader Sheikh Rashid Corridor Development initiative aimed at enhancing traffic flow and improving infrastructure across key areas in Dubai.
Key Infrastructure Upgrades Underway
The newly approved project will connect Al Asayel Street to Al Khail Road via Al Nawras Street, offering new exits to Oud Metha and Al Nawras Streets. With the construction of four major intersections, 4.3 kilometres of bridges, and 14 kilometres of roads, this project is set to transform the area, supporting nearby residential and service districts like Zabeel, Al Jaddaf, and Al Wasl Club.
Traffic Capacity to Increase by 50%
The RTA estimates that the project will boost the capacity of Oud Metha Street by 50%, increasing the current vehicle flow from 10,400 vehicles per hour to 15,600 vehicles per hour. The upgrades will also significantly reduce travel times on the route, cutting down journey durations from 20 minutes to just five minutes, according to RTA officials.
Sheikh Rashid Corridor Development Expands
This new project marks the latest phase of the Sheikh Rashid Corridor Development initiative, one of the RTA’s most significant infrastructure strategies. Previous phases saw the expansion of Ras Al Khor Road, which included bridge construction and lane expansions, boosting capacity to accommodate 10,000 vehicles per hour. Travel time was reduced from 20 minutes to just seven minutes, further enhancing traffic flow across key districts.
Intersection Enhancements for Smoother Traffic Flow
As part of the Oud Metha and Al Asayel Streets Development, four key intersections will see major upgrades:
- First Intersection: A left-turn lane will be added at the Oud Metha and Sheikh Rashid Street junction, increasing capacity to 1,800 vehicles per hour. Service roads and right-turn lanes will also be enhanced to improve traffic flow toward Dubai-Al Ain Road.
- Second Intersection: Two new bridges will be constructed to connect Al Asayel Street to Al Khail Road, accommodating 6,000 vehicles per hour combined. Additional bridges will improve left-turn traffic towards Oud Metha.
- Third Intersection: Al Nawras Street will be upgraded, featuring a two-lane bridge toward Al Khail Road and a service road on both sides. This will accommodate 3,000 vehicles per hour while improving exits toward Business Bay Crossing.
- Fourth Intersection: At Zabeel Palace Street, a new lane will be added to the ramp connecting Al Khail Road and Dubai-Al Ain Road. This will double the existing capacity, allowing for a smoother traffic flow of up to 1,800 vehicles per hour.
Impact on Surrounding Communities
The RTA anticipates that by 2030, this new infrastructure will serve over 420,000 residents, significantly easing the traffic burden on growing communities such as Al Jaddaf, Umm Hurair, and Latifa Hospital. This project is expected to play a pivotal role in improving daily commutes, reducing congestion, and increasing road safety across Dubai.
This major project represents another step forward in Dubai’s commitment to smart urban planning, supporting the Emirate’s growth and development while enhancing the quality of life for residents across multiple districts.
