Road closure to hit motorists in Old Dubai, Karama

Motorists in Old Dubai have been told to expect disruption from today after the exit from Al Maktoum Bridge to Umm Hurair Road and Sheikh Rashid Road is closed.

Rush hour traffic for those who live in Karama and work in Old Dubai is expected to be particularly impacted by the improvement works, which are being carried out on roads across Bur Dubai and Mankhool.

The route, which will reopen in February 2017, is being replaced by an alternative slip road.

Umm Hurair Road is the main artery for drivers coming off Al Maktoum Bridge to connect with Karama, Bur Dubai, Oud Metha and Sheikh Zayed Road south.

The improvement works will see a one-lane bridge built connecting the Umm Hurair and Sheikh Rashid Roads.

Dubai’s RTA said the closure would ultimately “improve traffic flow”.

“We thank road users on cooperating with us and we appeal everyone to pay attention and follow the guidance signs and alerts for alternative routes.”

The work is part of the wider Al Shindagha Traffic project to help ease congestion from World Trade Centre to older parts of the city.

Engineering and management firm Parsons, which has been contracted on the project, describes it as connecting Bur Dubai to Deira via a new bridge, with nearly 10km of a new 12-lane expressway, multiple major interchanges and several local roadway improvements also planned.

The expressway is expected to effectively replace Al Shindagha Tunnel.

Earlier this year, the RTA opened the new Wafi Interchange linking Sheikh Rashid Road with Oud Metha Road as part of the wider project, which will reportedly be completed by the end of 2017.

Read: Three-lane bridge opens to clear Bur Dubai tailbacks

Other additions will include a new elevated bridge on Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Road designed to will ease traffic flow in Bur Dubai, Karama and Al Mankhool and a tunnel to take traffic from Al Garhoud and Wafi Interchange to Port Rashid.

Read: RTA announces 12 new road projects