Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has opened a key two-lane bridge spanning 1,000 meters to improve traffic flow between Hessa Street and Al Khail Road.

The bridge provides a seamless connection to Downtown Dubai and Dubai International Airport, reducing travel time between Hessa Street and Al Khail Road from 15 minutes to just 3 minutes.

RTA announced that 54 percent of the Hessa Street development project, which includes the upgrades of four major intersections, has been completed. All intersections are expected to be fully operational by the fourth quarter of 2025.

Mattar Al Tayer, Managing Director and Chairman of the Board of Directors of RTA, said: “The Hessa Street development project, extending 4.5 km from its intersection with Sheikh Zayed Road to its intersection with Al Khail Road, is carried out in accordance with the guidelines. by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, followed by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Vice President Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, President of the Dubai Executive Council. This project represents a continuation of efforts to develop road infrastructure to keep pace with the continued growth of the Emirate of Dubai and to meet the demands of urban development and population expansion.

He added: “The project includes the upgrading of four key intersections along Hessa Street: Sheikh Zayed Road, First Al Khail Road, Al Asayel Street and Al Khail Road. It also involves widening Hessa Street from two to four lanes in each direction, doubling its capacity to accommodate up to 8,000 vehicles per hour. Additionally, a 13.5 km cycle path is being constructed, further improving connectivity and promoting sustainable mobility. The total cost of the project is AED 689 million.

Al Tayer further explained: “The Hessa Street development project is one of the major infrastructure projects aimed at improving Dubai’s road network. It serves several key residential and development areas, including Al Sufouh 2, Al Barsha Residential Area and Jumeirah Village Circle. By 2030, the population of the areas served by this project is expected to exceed 640,000 inhabitants. The project will double the capacity of Hessa Street from 8,000 vehicles per hour in both directions to 16,000 vehicles per hour.

The project involves the development of four key intersections. The first is the intersection of Hessa Street with Sheikh Zayed Road, where a two-lane directional ramp will be constructed, passing above the Dubai Metro Red Line. This ramp will facilitate traffic on right turns from Sheikh Zayed Road towards Hessa Street eastbound towards Emirates Road.

The second intersection is at Hessa Street and First Al Khail Road, where the number of lanes on the existing Hessa Street Bridge will be increased from three to four in each direction. Traffic improvements will also be implemented at the surface-level signalized intersection to improve flow.

The third intersection is at Hessa and Asayel streets. Work includes widening the existing bridge from two to four lanes in each direction along Hessa Street, as well as upgrading the signalized intersection to surface level to improve traffic flow.

The fourth intersection to be developed is at Hessa Street and Al Khail Road. The works include the construction of a direct two-lane ramp to ensure smooth traffic flow from Hessa Street to Al Khail Road northbound towards Sharjah.

Cycle and scooter paths

The Hessa Street development project also includes the construction of 13.5 km of cycle and e-scooter paths, connecting Al Sufouh to Dubai Hills via Hessa Street. These routes serve several residential areas, including Al Barsha and Barsha Heights, while improving first- and last-mile connectivity by connecting them to Dubai Internet City Metro Station and shopping and service centers in the region.

One of the highlights of the new cycle path is the inclusion of two architecturally distinctive bridges for cyclists and pedestrians. The first bridge crosses Sheikh Zayed Road, while the second crosses Al Khail Road. Each bridge is five meters wide, of which three meters are reserved for cycle paths and electric scooters and two meters for pedestrian paths.

The project is designed to improve first and last mile journeys, providing seamless accessibility to major metro stations and nearby destinations. The track’s capacity is estimated at 5,200 users per hour, ensuring efficient use for both residents and visitors.

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