Salik’s new toll gates: here’s where you’ll start paying from Nov 24

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Dubai motorists will start paying toll fares with the activation of two new toll gates at the Business Bay Crossing and Al Safa South on Sheikh Zayed Road, effective November 24.

The announcement was made by the toll operator, Salik Company on Friday.

The implementation of these toll gates supports transport policies designed to optimise road infrastructure and public transport usage.

Previous toll systems in Dubai have demonstrated effectiveness, reportedly reducing total travel time in the city by 6 million hours annually and decreasing traffic on major bridges by 26 per cent.

The new gates are expected to further these gains by encouraging a shift towards public transport options, including metro, buses, and marine services.

Global traffic consultants recommended the installation of the Business Bay and Al Safa South toll gates, both of which are strategically positioned to manage traffic flow and enhance road safety.

Al Safa South toll gate will implement a one-time fee for trips between the North and South gates within a one-hour period, aiming to maintain service levels and control congestion.

The combined valuation of Salik’s two new toll gates is Dhs2.73bn, with the Business Bay Gate valued at Dhs2.3bn and the Al Safa South Gate valued at Dhs469m.

Benefits of  Salik’s new toll gates

The Business Bay Crossing toll gate is expected to divert traffic from Jebel Ali towards Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road, reducing congestion on Al Khail Road by an estimated 2,053 vehicles per hour, a reduction of approximately 15 per cent.

It is also projected to cut traffic on Financial Centre Street by 5 per cent, resulting in a total daily reduction of up to 20,000 travel hours on the heavily trafficked stretch between Al Rebat and Ras Al Khor Streets.

The Al Safa South toll gate will similarly decrease right-turn traffic from Sheikh Zayed Road to Al Meydan Street by 15 per cent, while also reducing vehicle flow from Al Meydan and Al Safa Streets by around 1,070 vehicles per hour, translating to a 42 per cent reduction.

This move follows the completion of the Al Khail Road Development Project by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), which aims to significantly improve traffic efficiency across the city.

Al Khail Road Development Project

The project included the construction of five bridges spanning 3,300 meters and the expansion of 6,820 meters of road lanes across seven key locations, including Al Jaddaf, Business Bay, Zaabeel, Meydan, Al Quoz 1, Ghadir Al Tair, and Jumeirah Village Circle.

Serving approximately 1.5 million residents, the project has successfully reduced travel times by 30 per cent and increased the capacity of intersections and bridges by about 19,600 vehicles per hour.

The new toll gates are part of a broader strategy to enhance the integration of road networks and public transport systems in Dubai. This initiative aligns with policies aimed at reducing dependence on private vehicles, promoting public transportation, and improving overall traffic flow.

By redistributing traffic to alternative routes, such as Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Dubai-Al Ain Road, Ras Al Khor Street, and Al Manama Street, the RTA aims to alleviate congestion on key corridors.

Read: Al Khail Road Development project completed – travel time to reduce by 30%