Dubai: Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has opened two new bridges as part of the Trade Centre Roundabout Development Project, aimed at improving traffic movement from 2nd December Street towards Sheikh Rashid Road and Al Majlis Street, which connects to Al Mustaqbal Street. Each bridge features two lanes in both directions, stretching a combined 2,000 metres and supporting a total capacity of approximately 6,000 vehicles per hour. These bridges were inaugurated ahead of the planned mid-January schedule, significantly alleviating congestion at the Trade Centre Roundabout and reducing journey time from 2nd December Street to Al Majlis Street, Al Mustaqbal Street, and Zabeel Palace Street from 10 minutes to just two minutes.
According to Emirates News Agency, Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, emphasized the importance of the Trade Centre Roundabout as one of Dubai's critical intersections. The roundabout links Sheikh Zayed Road with Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street, Sheikh Rashid Road, 2nd December Street, Zabeel Palace Street, and Al Majlis Street. The development project, with a total cost exceeding AED696 million, includes five bridges with a combined length of 5,000 metres and involves converting the existing roundabout into an at-grade intersection. The initiative aims to enhance traffic flow from Sheikh Zayed Road towards 2nd December Street and from Al Mustaqbal Street towards Sheikh Zayed Road, while also facilitating free-flow movement from Jumeirah and Al Satwa to Al Majlis Street and Al Mustaqbal Street.
Al Tayer noted that overall completion has reached nearly 50 percent, with work progressing faster than scheduled. In addition to the two bridges now open, a bridge connecting Sheikh Zayed Road to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street is slated for a March opening. Two additional bridges serving traffic between Sheikh Rashid Road, Al Majlis Street, and 2nd December Street are scheduled for October 2026. Upon full completion, the project is expected to reduce average delays at the intersection from 12 minutes to 90 seconds and cut journey time from Sheikh Zayed Road to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street from six minutes to one minute.
The development serves key areas including Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai International Financial Centre, Zabeel, Al Satwa, Al Karama, Al Jafiliya, and Al Mankhool, benefiting more than half a million residents and visitors. The broader master plan also includes upgrades to Al Mustaqbal Street and is scheduled for completion in 2027.