Dubai: RTA opens two key bridges to boost Al Asayel, Oud Maitha streets traffic
Project expands traffic capacity and shortens journey times by 75%
DUBAI – Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has inaugurated two new bridges as part of the ongoing Al Asayel and Oud Maitha Streets Development Project, which forms a key component of the Sheikh Rashid Corridor Development Project.
The bridges, opened today, enhance connectivity between Al Asayel Street, Al Wasl Club Street, and Al Khail Road, significantly easing traffic flow and reducing journey times in one of Dubai’s busiest urban corridors.
The first bridge accommodates traffic from Al Asayel Street towards Al Wasl Club Street, while the second carries vehicles from Al Asayel Street to Al Khail Road towards Business Bay Crossing.
Mattar Al Tayer, RTA Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, noted that the project is aligned with directives from Dubai’s leadership to support urban expansion and population growth, aiming to serve areas expected to house over 420,000 residents by 2030.
Traffic upgrade
The development is designed to increase the traffic-carrying capacity of Oud Maitha Street by 50%, from 10,400 vehicles per hour to 15,600 vehicles per hour, while reducing average journey time from 20 minutes to just five minutes. The first bridge features two lanes with a capacity of 2,400 vehicles per hour, and the second bridge has two lanes accommodating 3,000 vehicles per hour.
The project has already achieved 72% overall completion, with tunnel construction reaching 70%. The tunnel will connect traffic from Dubai–Al Ain Road to Oud Maitha service road, while additional bridges and road expansions are planned for opening in the third quarter of 2026.
Intersection enhancements
The project upgrades four major intersections across the corridor:
- Oud Maitha and Sheikh Rashid Street: Addition of a left-turn slip lane increases capacity to 1,800 vehicles per hour, with service roads upgraded and right-turn lanes expanded to three lanes, accommodating 4,000 vehicles per hour. A tunnel connecting the service road to Sheikh Rashid Street will serve traffic towards Bur Dubai.
- Oud Maitha and Al Asayel Streets: Two bridges link Al Asayel Street with Al Khail Road via Al Wasl Club Street. The first bridge serves 2,400 vehicles per hour, the second 3,600 vehicles per hour, with an additional two-lane bridge dedicated to left-turn movements towards Oud Maitha Street.
- Al Wasl Club Street and Al Khail Road: A two-lane bridge carries traffic from Al Asayel Street towards Business Bay Crossing, while exit roads are expanded and service roads constructed in both directions.
- Za’abeel Palace Street and Al Khail Road: Capacity improvements include an extra left-turn lane increasing capacity to 1,800 vehicles per hour and a single-lane tunnel serving 1,200 vehicles per hour. Existing bridges are widened, raising capacity from 2,200 to 3,300 vehicles per hour.
Project scope
The comprehensive project spans 4.3 km of bridges and tunnels and 14 km of upgraded roads, aiming to improve traffic efficiency, reduce travel time, and enhance access to major service facilities, residential communities, and development zones such as Za’abeel, Al Jaddaf, Oud Maitha, and Umm Hurair. Key destinations including Latifa Hospital and Al Wasl Club also benefit from the improved infrastructure.