New lane on Sheikh Zayed road reduces travel time from 5 minutes to 2 in Dubai
text_fieldsDubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has successfully completed a series of rapid traffic enhancements on Sheikh Zayed Road, significantly improving traffic flow and reducing travel time from five minutes to just two minutes. The upgrades are part of RTA’s broader efforts to optimize the city’s road network, enhance mobility and accommodate increasing traffic demand.
As one of Dubai’s most critical roadways, Sheikh Zayed Road serves as a key economic corridor connecting major business and residential hubs, including the Dubai International Financial Centre, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, multinational corporations, banks, investment firms, hotels and entertainment venues. The enhancements aim to reduce congestion and improve travel efficiency in these high-traffic areas.
One of the key upgrades involved the expansion of the service road next to Financial Centre Metro Station in the Abu Dhabi-bound direction. The number of lanes was increased from three to four, boosting the road’s capacity by 25%. This expansion now allows for the movement of 3,200 vehicles per hour, up from 2,400 vehicles previously. As a result, vehicle congestion at the entrance has been eliminated and traffic flow has been significantly improved, cutting travel time down to two minutes.
Additionally, RTA has optimized the merging distance between Al Khail Road and Financial Centre Street in the Dubai-bound direction. Extending the merging area has helped alleviate congestion and enhance road service levels, reducing the journey time from four minutes to three minutes.
Ahmed Al Khzaimy, Director of Traffic at RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency, emphasized the authority’s commitment to implementing innovative traffic solutions to enhance road efficiency and safety. He stated that these improvements are part of RTA’s ongoing strategy to provide seamless and safe travel experiences for all road users across Dubai.
The latest enhancements align with Dubai’s urban growth and infrastructure expansion, ensuring a more efficient road network while maintaining the highest safety standards. These improvements build on previous upgrades made in January when RTA introduced three major traffic enhancements on Sheikh Zayed Road to further ease congestion and enhance road safety.
With continuous upgrades and forward-thinking traffic management solutions, RTA remains focused on optimizing Dubai’s transportation network, supporting economic growth and ensuring smooth mobility for residents and visitors.