Dubai Hessa Street improvement underway, $187mn invested to ease traffic
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has recently awarded a contract worth $187 million (AED689 million) for the Hessa Street Improvement Project, aimed at alleviating traffic congestion for commuters.
Previously, the RTA had unveiled plans to enhance essential roadways, including Hessa Street and Umm Suqeim Street.
The Hessa Street Improvement Project will encompass a 4.5-kilometer section, extending from the intersection with Sheikh Zayed Road to the intersection with Al Khail Road, as stated in an email communication from the authority on Sunday.
The primary objective is to revamp four key intersections along Hessa Street, including Sheikh Zayed Road, First Al Khail Street, Al Asayel Street, and Al Khail Road.
The project will double the number of lanes on Hessa Street, increasing capacity by 100 percent to accommodate 8,000 vehicles per hour in each direction.
“The project serves several residential and development communities, such as Al Sufouh 2, Al Barsha residential area, and Jumeirah Village Circle. The population of areas served by the project is expected to reach more than 640,000 individuals by 2030,” Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA said adding that this project is of utmost importance for the development of the road network infrastructure.
“The project includes the improvement of four main intersections, enhancing traffic flow and connectivity in the city. It complements previous phases undertaken by RTA, ensuring a smooth traffic flow in all directions, including the surrounding development areas,” Al Tayer added speaking about the significant impact of the project on traffic flow.
In addition to these developments, the project also features a 13.5-kilometre cycling track, offering improved mobility options for residents and commuters.
This track will include 2.5 metres for bicycles and e-scooters and 2 metres for pedestrians.
It will connect Al Sufouh to Dubai Hills via Hessa Street, serving residential areas like Al Sufouh, Al Barsha, and Barsha Heights, significantly improving connectivity for first and last-mile journeys, linking to the Dubai Internet City Metro Station and various commercial and service destinations nearby.
What sets this cycling track apart is its incorporation of two bridges, the statement said.
The first bridge spans over Sheikh Zayed Road, while the second crosses Al Khail Road. The second bridge measures 5 metres in width, with 3 metres allocated for bicycles and e-scooters and the remaining 2 metres for pedestrians.
The design of the Al Khail Road bridge draws inspiration from the unique geometric features of the surrounding environment.
Moreover, this development project on Hessa Street complements previous phases undertaken by the RTA.
These earlier phases involved widening Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Al Khail Road, as well as constructing a flyover to connect Hessa Street, Al Khail Street, and Al Barsha to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road.
This flyover is crucial for ensuring smooth traffic flow to and from Al Barsha via Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, benefiting all directions, including the surrounding development areas.