Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has successfully completed eight traffic enhancement projects in educational zones throughout the emirate in 2024, benefiting a total of 37 schools. This initiative, according to a statement, is part of RTA’s comprehensive strategy to improve the efficiency of the road network, particularly in areas surrounding schools, in line with the city’s ongoing urban development efforts. These enhancements aim to serve a variety of road users, including teaching staff, bus drivers, and families of students, all while prioritizing the safety of everyone on the roads in Dubai.
Key locations of improvements
The projects focused on several significant locations, including Kings’ School Dubai on Umm Suqeim Street, The International School of Choueifat and Dubai College on Hessa Street, and the Al Safa Schools Complex, as well as the School of Research Science in Al Warqa 4, Al Qusais Schools Complex, Al Mizhar Schools Complex, Nad Al Sheba Schools Complex, and Al Tawar Schools Complex 2.
Major enhancements implemented
Key improvements included widening the streets leading to the schools, creating extra parking spaces for staff and parents, enhancing school entrances and exits, and implementing traffic diversions in the surrounding areas. Additional upgrades involved paving parking areas in front of the schools and designating specific zones to ensure safe pick-up and drop-off for students.
Commitment to infrastructure quality
Hussain Al Banna, CEO of the Traffic and Roads Agency at RTA, expressed that the traffic enhancements not only improve the road network but also maintain the quality and efficiency of Dubai’s infrastructure. He emphasized that these improvements reflect RTA’s commitment to fulfilling leadership directives and addressing the needs of Dubai’s growing population and urban landscape. He added that through ongoing infrastructure advancements, RTA supports sustainable development in the emirate and aims to enhance the happiness and well-being of residents, positioning Dubai as the best city to live in.
Collaborative efforts for effective solutions
Al Banna also mentioned that RTA worked closely with the Dubai Police General Headquarters, real estate developers, and relevant school authorities to assess traffic impacts, identify solutions, and promptly implement improvements. He noted that these initiatives are continuously monitored through regular evaluations to ensure their long-term effectiveness, which plays a vital role in maintaining smooth traffic flow, increasing road capacity, and ensuring the safety of all road users.
Positive impact on school arrival times
Additionally, Al Banna indicated that the changes implemented have led to a 15 to 20 percent decrease in school arrival times, highlighting RTA’s commitment to improving traffic flow, boosting road capacity, and enhancing operational efficiency to accommodate the emirate’s rapid urban development.
Future plans for continued improvement
Moreover, Al Banna concluded by stating that RTA will continue to deploy traffic solutions in school zones as part of its integrated and regularly updated strategic plan. He noted that in early 2025, these initiatives will expand to include over 13 schools in key areas such as Al Garhoud, Al Barsha 1, Al Warqa, and Al Barsha South. Additionally, he mentioned that an operational plan will be established to manage traffic flow in these regions, aiming to alleviate congestion and further improve travel times for students.
For more news on logistics, click here.
