Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has inaugurated a critical two-lane bridge spanning 1,000 metres, designed to streamline traffic between Hessa Street and Al Khail Road. The bridge significantly reduces travel time along this route, cutting journeys from 15 minutes to just 3 minutes.
Key Milestone in Hessa Street Project
The opening is part of the comprehensive Hessa Street Development Project, which has achieved 54% completion and involves upgrading four major intersections. RTA anticipates that all upgrades will be fully operational by Q4 2025.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of RTA’s Board, remarked, “Hessa Street development project, spanning 4.5 km from its intersection with Sheikh Zayed Road to its intersection with Al Khail Road, is being carried out under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, with the follow-up of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai. This project represents a continuation of efforts to develop road infrastructure to keep pace with the Emirate of Dubai’s continuous growth and to meet the demands of urban development and population expansion.”
Enhancements and Features
The project’s AED 689 million budget includes:
- Widening Hessa Street from two to four lanes in each direction, doubling vehicle capacity to 16,000 vehicles per hour.
- Upgrading key intersections, including those with Sheikh Zayed Road, First Al Khail Road, Al Asayel Street, and Al Khail Road.
- Introducing a 13.5 km cycling and e-scooter track to connect key residential and business hubs while promoting sustainable mobility.
One notable improvement is a two-lane ramp at Sheikh Zayed Road, facilitating smooth eastbound traffic toward Emirates Road. Additionally, an upgraded First Al Khail Road junction will now feature four lanes in each direction, while the Al Khail Road intersection will include a dedicated ramp for northbound traffic heading toward Sharjah.
Sustainable Mobility Focus
The cycling and e-scooter tracks aim to support Dubai’s vision of sustainable transportation, offering enhanced connectivity for areas such as Al Barsha and Barsha Heights. Two iconic pedestrian and cycling bridges, crossing Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road, will also be constructed as part of the project.
These tracks, with an estimated capacity of 5,200 users per hour, link seamlessly to key hubs, including Dubai Internet City Metro Station, enabling efficient first and last-mile journeys. The bridges will feature separate lanes for cyclists, e-scooters, and pedestrians, ensuring safe and accessible transit options.
Serving Key Areas
The project benefits prominent residential communities like Jumeirah Village Circle, Al Sufouh 2, and the Al Barsha Residential Area, which are expected to house over 640,000 residents by 2030.
With the Hessa Street project, Dubai continues to set benchmarks for urban infrastructure, focusing on mobility, sustainability, and connectivity to meet its growing population’s needs.
