Dubai Unveils 1,000-Metre, 2-Lane Bridge, Cutting Travel Time from 15 to 3 Minutes

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has inaugurated a crucial two-lane bridge stretching 1,000 metres to improve traffic flow from Hessa Street to Al Khail Road. 

This bridge significantly enhances connectivity to Dubai’s city centre and Dubai International Airport, cutting travel time between Hessa Street and Al Khail Road from 15 minutes down to just 3 minutes.

The RTA revealed that 54% of the Hessa Street development project, which includes upgrades to four main intersections, has been completed. The full functionality of all intersections is anticipated by the fourth quarter of 2025.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, highlighted the importance of the Hessa Street development project. Spanning 4.5 km from its crossing with Sheikh Zayed Road to Al Khail Road, this initiative is part of the ongoing efforts under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and with the oversight of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The goal is to advance road infrastructure to align with Dubai’s rapid growth and urban development.

The project involves upgrading four critical intersections: Sheikh Zayed Road, First Al Khail Road, Al Asayel Street, and Al Khail Road. Hessa Street is being expanded from two to four lanes each way, doubling its capacity to handle up to 16,000 vehicles per hour. Additionally, a 13.5 km cycling path is being constructed to encourage sustainable transport. The project’s total cost stands at Dhs689 million.

Al Tayer emphasized that the development of Hessa Street is a vital infrastructure endeavor aimed at boosting Dubai's road network. It is essential for key residential and developmental districts like Al Sufouh 2, Al Barsha Residential Area, and Jumeirah Village Circle. By 2030, these areas are expected to house over 640,000 people. The project aims to double the street's capacity from accommodating 8,000 to 16,000 vehicles per hour.

The project details include:

1. Intersection with Sheikh Zayed Road: A new two-lane directional ramp over the Dubai Metro’s Red Line for right turns onto Hessa Street.
2. Intersection with First Al Khail Road: An increase from three to four lanes on the Hessa Street bridge and at-grade junction improvements.
3. Intersection with Asayel Streets: Widening the bridge from two to four lanes on Hessa Street and upgrading the at-grade junction.
4. Intersection with Al Khail Road: Adding a two-lane ramp for smooth traffic flow northbound towards Sharjah.

The project also includes cycling and e-scooter tracks extending 13.5 km along Hessa Street, connecting Al Sufouh to Dubai Hills. These routes improve accessibility to residential zones like Al Barsha and Barsha Heights, linking with Dubai Internet City Metro Station and nearby business centers.

One of the standout features of the new cycling track is the incorporation of two architecturally unique bridges designed for cyclists and pedestrians. The first bridge spans Sheikh Zayed Road, and the second crosses Al Khail Road. Each bridge measures five meters in width, with three meters dedicated to a cycling and e-scooter track and two meters set aside for pedestrian walkways.

This project aims to improve first and last-mile connectivity, offering smooth access to major metro stations and nearby attractions. With a capacity to accommodate 5,200 users per hour, the track ensures efficient and accessible transit for both residents and visitors.