Dubai traffic: New project to reduce travel time from 104 minutes to just 16

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has inaugurated the final bridge of the Sheikh Rashid Road and Al Mina Street intersection development project.

This milestone marks the completion of all phases of the Al Shindagha Corridor Development Project in Bur Dubai, according to a WAM report.

This achievement ensures uninterrupted traffic flow from Al Garhoud Bridge to Port Rashid via the Infinity Bridge, extending to the Waterfront Market.

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Reduction in travel time

The project has significantly reduced travel time along the corridor—from 80 minutes to just 12 minutes. Travel from Jumeirah Street to Infinity Bridge now takes only five minutes, while trips from Infinity Bridge to Al Mina Street and Al Wasl Road at the 2nd December Street intersection also take five minutes.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, stated that the project aligns with the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council.

Corridor to serve 1m residents

Spanning 13km, the corridor serves one million residents and major developments, including Dubai Islands, Dubai Waterfront, and Port Rashid.

The project covers Sheikh Rashid Road, Al Mina Street, Al Khaleej Street, and Cairo Street. It includes 15 intersections, 18 km of bridges and tunnels, and increases traffic capacity from 6,400 to 24,000 vehicles per hour. Travel time has been cut from 104 minutes to just 16 minutes, with an estimated economic benefit of Dh45bn over 20 years.

Key constructions in the Shindagha Corridor Development Project

Final bridge at Sheikh Rashid Road and Al Mina Street

This final bridge consists of five bridges totaling 3.1km, with a combined capacity of 19,400 vehicles per hour. It also includes two pedestrian bridges to enhance safety.

Falcon Intersection

Located at the intersection of Khalid Bin Al Waleed Road and Al Mina Street, the Falcon Intersection includes three bridges and a tunnel, with a total capacity of 28,800 vehicles per hour. The development features key bridges along Al Khaleej Street and a tunnel for left-turn traffic from Khalid Bin Al Waleed Road to Al Mina Street.

Infinity Bridge

The Infinity Bridge—a landmark structure with a distinctive arch representing the infinity symbol—spans 295 meters. It provides 12 lanes with a total capacity of 24,000 vehicles per hour. The bridge also includes a 3-metre-wide cycling track and a 75-meter-wide navigation channel for safe vessel passage.

The double-deck route extends from Infinity Bridge to Deira along Al Corniche Street, offering six lanes in each direction. It connects to Al Khaleej Street and integrates with surface roads via signalised intersections.

Bridges to Dubai Islands

Five new bridges have been built to provide direct access to Dubai Islands, with a total capacity of 20,700 vehicles per hour. These ensure smooth connectivity from Al Khaleej Street and the surrounding areas.

Currently 30 per cent complete, a 1,650-meter tunnel will link Infinity Bridge in Deira to Al Khaleej Street and Cairo Street, featuring three lanes in each direction and a capacity of 12,000 vehicles per hour.

In addition, the RTA has launched a project to provide direct access to Dubai Islands from Bur Dubai. A new 1,425-meter bridge will span Dubai Creek, offering four lanes in each direction, a pedestrian and cycling path, and a 75-meter-wide navigation channel for marine traffic.