Sharjah Unveils Major Road Project Phase 1 to Alleviate Dubai-Bound Traffic Congestion

Sharjah has officially opened the initial phase of a significant road development initiative aimed at alleviating traffic congestion on key routes connecting the emirate with Dubai. The inauguration was led by Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, on Wednesday. This phase includes the partial opening of the Al Taawun Interchange, alongside several new bridges and junctions. The first phase facilitates one-way traffic flow from Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road towards Expo Centre Sharjah, a development timed to coincide with the Sharjah International Book Fair. Dr Salah bin Butti Al Muhairi, chairman of the Initiatives Implementation Authority, Mubadara, detailed that the second phase will encompass the complete opening of the Al Taawun Tunnel and Roundabout, the finalization of bridges along three industrial streets, and the development of the Al Khulafa Al Rashideen Interchange, connecting it to Jamal Abdul Nasser Street. The entire project is structured across five main sections.

The project is designed to enhance traffic flow and reduce congestion on the vital routes linking Sharjah and Dubai. A 560-metre tunnel, featuring three lanes in each direction, will separate through traffic from local traffic, with an anticipated capacity of approximately 4,200 vehicles per hour during peak periods. The Al Khulafa Al Rashideen Interchange on Al Ittihad Road will be enhanced with two additional lanes in each direction. Additionally, a 315-metre bridge will connect this interchange to Jamal Abdul Nasser Street, boosting capacity by roughly 2,600 vehicles per hour. Two new bridges, extending approximately 866 metres, will upgrade junctions along the First and Second Industrial Streets, adding capacity for an estimated 2,800 vehicles per hour. The fourth section involves bridges linking the Ring Road to Al Khan Street, spanning a total length of 2.7km and capable of handling an estimated 5,200 vehicles per hour in both directions.

Yousef Khamis Al Othmani, chairman of the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority, emphasized that the project embodies the Ruler's vision to prioritize people and their quality of life in all development efforts. In total, the project covers 9.18km of road and incorporates a 19km stormwater drainage network installed concurrently with the new infrastructure.