Dubai: RTA completes major upgrade of Al Warqa’a 1 Street, cutting journey times by 30pc
Smart signals replace roundabouts to ease congestion
DUBAI – Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has completed traffic expansion works on Al Warqa’a 1 Street, marking a significant upgrade to one of the area’s key corridors.
The project covers a total length of 7 kilometres in both directions, stretching from Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road to Ras Al Khor Road.
According to RTA, the works are designed to improve traffic efficiency, support daily mobility, and enhance safety for motorists and pedestrians alike.
Traffic upgrade
A central feature of the project was the conversion of four roundabouts into smart signalised intersections. This upgrade has delivered an improvement in traffic flow of up to 30 per cent, easing congestion along a route that connects residential neighbourhoods with major highways. The enhanced intersections are intended to regulate vehicle movement more efficiently during peak hours while reducing delays at junctions.
RTA said the completion of the scheme reflects its broader strategy to modernise Dubai’s road network in line with rising population levels and increasing vehicle demand. The authority added that smoother traffic movement contributes directly to shorter travel times and improved road user experience.
Infrastructure works
Beyond traffic management, the project included a comprehensive package of infrastructure upgrades. RTA constructed advanced stormwater drainage networks extending 6,600 linear metres to improve rainwater management and reduce the risk of water accumulation on roads. The scheme also saw the installation of 324 lighting poles fitted with modern street-lighting systems to improve visibility and road safety during night-time hours.
In addition, 111 new parking spaces were provided to support residents and visitors, while pedestrian pathways were developed across a total area of 41,000 square metres. These walkways are aimed at improving pedestrian safety and encouraging walking within the neighbourhood, particularly near schools and residential clusters.
Earlier projects
Hamad Al Shehhi, Director of Roads at the Traffic and Roads Agency at RTA, said the latest works build on earlier improvements completed in June 2025. Those works included the construction of direct entry and exit points connecting Al Warqa’a with Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, helping streamline access to and from the area.
He noted that RTA also carried out traffic improvement works on 13th Street in Al Warqa’a 1, covering approximately 8 kilometres in both directions. The upgrades were designed to serve residents and school users as part of a wider project to develop the internal road network and improve local connectivity.
Community engagement
RTA is currently implementing further development projects across the Al Warqa’a area, including upgrades to internal road networks in Al Warqa’a 3 and Al Warqa’a 4. These works include road paving, pedestrian pathways, parking facilities and cycling tracks, with the aim of linking local routes to cycling corridors in neighbouring districts and supporting sustainable mobility.
Last October, RTA also held an interactive session with residents and visitors of Mirdif and Al Warqa’a to share updates on the Dubai Metro Blue Line project and related road developments. The session outlined upcoming traffic diversions during different project phases and gathered public feedback, reinforcing RTA’s approach of keeping communities informed while integrating their needs into ongoing transport solutions.