The new Dubai bridge is a key element of the RTA’s Al Khail Road enhancement project, designed to improve traffic flow and cut down on commute times.

Although the sweltering temperatures and humidity still shout “Dubai summer,” the traffic on the roads paints a different picture. With schools reopening this week, it’s evident that the city is back to its usual hustle and bustle.

To alleviate the expected traffic challenges, a new three-lane bridge has just opened: the Zaa’beel Palace Street Bridge. Stretching 700 meters, it connects Zaa’beel Palace Street and Oud Metha Road to Al Khail Road, directing traffic towards Jebel Ali and Abu Dhabi. Designed to accommodate up to 4,800 vehicles per hour, the bridge is a major component of the RTA’s Al Khail Road enhancement project, which was announced earlier this year.

The ambitious Dhs700 million project involves building bridges totaling 3,300 meters in length, as well as road improvement works extending 6,820 meters across seven locations along Al Khail Road. This includes areas such as Zabeel, Meydan, Al Quoz 1, Ghadeer Al Tair, and Jumeirah Village Circle.

The project aims to expand the road network to handle the ever-increasing traffic volume, enhance road infrastructure to meet the city’s urban and demographic needs, and ultimately reduce travel times by 30 percent.

In November, Dubai will see the addition of two new Salik toll gates, bringing the total number of toll gates in the city from eight to ten. The new Salik locations will be the Business Bay Crossing on Al Khail Road and a second gate in Al Safa South on Sheikh Zayed Road, situated between Al Meydan Street and Umm Al Sheif Street.

The Business Bay Crossing gate is expected to reduce traffic congestion by 12 to 15 percent on Al Khail Road, cut traffic volume by 10 to 16 percent on Al Rabat Street, and redirect traffic towards Al Maktoum and Al Garhoud bridges, as well as Ras Al Khor Street.