By Staff Reporter
Dubai’s ambitious road expansion plans are moving ahead rapidly, with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) confirming that 80 percent of the Al Khaleej Street Tunnel Project has now been completed.
The tunnel project forms part of the massive Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project, one of the largest transport infrastructure developments currently underway in Dubai. Once fully completed by 2030, the corridor is expected to reduce travel time from 104 minutes to just 16 minutes.
New Al Khaleej Tunnel Nears Completion
The new tunnel stretches 1,650 metres from the Infinity Bridge ramp in Deira to the intersection of Al Khaleej Street and Al Wuheida Street. It will feature three lanes in each direction and is designed to handle up to 12,000 vehicles per hour both ways.
According to the RTA, the tunnel will provide uninterrupted traffic flow between Infinity Bridge and Deira, easing congestion in some of Dubai’s busiest areas.
Project to Serve One Million Residents
RTA Director General and Chairman Mattar Al Tayer described the development as a key strategic project that will support Dubai’s future growth.
The Al Shindagha Corridor extends across Sheikh Rashid Street, Al Mina Street, Al Khaleej Street and Cairo Street, while also upgrading 15 major intersections.
The project is expected to benefit nearly one million residents and visitors, while improving connectivity to major destinations including:
- Dubai Islands
- Dubai Maritime City
- Port Rashid
- Waterfront Market
Major Road Upgrades Planned
The project also includes:
- Converting Cairo Street and Al Wuheida Street roundabouts into signalised intersections
- Direct road links from Dubai Islands to the new tunnel
- Surface road improvements across Deira and surrounding districts
- Dedicated pedestrian and cycling tracks
Areas expected to benefit include Abu Hail, Al Wuheida, Al Mamzar, Dubai Islands and Al Hamriya Port.
Dubai Islands Bridge Under Construction
RTA is simultaneously developing a 1,425-metre bridge connecting Bur Dubai directly to Dubai Islands. The bridge will include four lanes in each direction with a capacity of 16,000 vehicles per hour.
The structure will rise 18.5 metres above Dubai Creek, allowing marine traffic to pass beneath through a 75-metre-wide navigation channel.
Officials said more than 1,500 engineers, technicians and workers are currently deployed on-site, supported by over 220 machines and equipment units, with nearly eight million safe work hours already completed.
