The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded an AED696.414 million ($190 million) contract for the Trade Center Roundabout Development Project.
The scope of the project includes constructing five bridges spanning 5,000 metres in total and converting the existing roundabout into a surface intersection to improve the flow of traffic inbound from Sheikh Zayed Road to 2nd December Street, and the southbound traffic from Al Mustaqbal Street to Sheikh Zayed Road.
The Trade Center Roundabout project is in response to the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai to develop the infrastructure of the road network and various public transport systems to meet the needs of urban development and population growth, and under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai.
The Trade Center roundabout is one of Dubai’s key intersections, connecting Sheikh Zayed Road with five main streets: Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street, Sheikh Rashid Street, 2nd December Street, Zabeel Palace Street, and Al Mustaqbal Street.
Project overview
The Trade Centre Roundabout Development Project is a landmark initiative to transform one of Dubai’s busiest intersections into a free-flowing interchange. With a mega investment, the RTA is spearheading this project to significantly enhance traffic flow and alleviate congestion on Sheikh Zayed Road. The project involves the construction of five bridges, collectively spanning 5,000 metres, to seamlessly connect Sheikh Zayed Road with key streets such as Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street, Sheikh Rashid Street, 2nd December Street, Zabeel Palace Street, and Al Mustaqbal Street.
The project also facilitate free-flowing traffic from 2nd December Street (Jumeirah and Al Satwa) to Al Majles Street leading to Al Mustaqbal Street (serving DWTC and DIFC), and from Sheikh Rashid Street to Deira. Additionally, it will ensure a smooth traffic flow on the upper-level bridge from Sheikh Zayed Road to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street.
“This project will double the intersection’s capacity, cut the delay time from 12 minutes to 90 seconds, and shorten the travel time from Sheikh Zayed Road to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street from six minutes to just one minute,” said His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, director general, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors.
“The project serves various key locations including the DWTC, the region’s largest venue for events and international exhibitions for over 40 years hosting major events such as GITEX, Arabian Travel Market, Arab Health, and Gulfood Exhibitions among others. The project also serves the DIFC, a leading financial hub in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, as well as communities like Zabeel, Al Satwa, Karama, Jafiliya, and Mankhool, benefiting more than half a million residents and visitors,” he said.
Five bridges
The project includes the construction of five bridges providing free-flowing traffic in various directions. A two-lane bridge will be constructed on the upper level extending 1,000 metres from Sheikh Zayed Road to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street towards Deira, with a capacity of 3,000 vehicles per hour. Two two-lane bridges extending 2,000 metres will connect Sheikh Rashid Street with 2nd of December Street, with a capacity of 6,000 vehicles per hour. Additionally, two two-lane bridges extending 2,000 metres from Al Majles Street to 2nd of December Street will connect Al Mustaqbal Street with 2nd of December Street, with a capacity of 6,000 vehicles per hour.
Concurrent projects
The DWTC Roundabout Development Project is being undertaken concurrently with another road development project in the area.
“The RTA has recently awarded the contract for Oud Metha and Al Asayel Streets Development Project, which includes upgrading four major intersections and constructing bridges spanning 4,300 metres together with roads extending 14 km. This project serves residential and new development areas with a projected population of over 420,000 people by 2030. It is expected to reduce the travel time from 20 minutes to 5 minutes and improve the traffic flow by 75 percent,” Al Tayer said.
Additionally, the project coincides with the opening of all phases of Al Khail Road Development Project, which includes the construction of bridges extending 3,300 metres and the widening of lanes running 6,820 metres across seven different locations along Al Khail Road. This project is expected to reduce the travel time by 30 percent and increase the capacity of current intersections and bridges by approximately 19,600 vehicles per hour.
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