Major Upgrade Planned for Al Mustaqbal Street in Dubai

In an ambitious effort to enhance urban mobility, boost economic development, and improve quality of life, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded a significant contract valued at AED 633 million (approximately $172 million) for the Al Mustaqbal Street Development Project. This initiative aims to modernize a vital corridor in the emirate, making it more efficient and accessible.

Project Overview

The Al Mustaqbal Street project will extend from Za’abeel Palace Street to Financial Centre Street, incorporating the construction of new tunnels and a bridge over a length of 1.7 kilometers. This overhaul will also involve widening the street to accommodate four lanes in each direction, significantly enhancing traffic flow and accessibility.

Increasing Capacity and Reducing Travel Time

The upgrade is expected to increase the road’s capacity by 33%, enabling it to handle approximately 8,800 vehicles per hour. Current travel times along this route will be dramatically reduced from 13 minutes to just 6 minutes, benefiting both residents and visitors alike.

Key Features of the Upgrade

Tunnels

A critical component of the project includes the construction of three tunnels which will help in managing the traffic more efficiently:

1. Three-Lane Tunnel Towards Deira: This will facilitate the movement of up to 4,500 vehicles per hour.
2. Two-Lane Bi-Directional Tunnel: Designed for traffic moving between Deira and Jebel Ali, it will support 3,000 vehicles per hour.
3. Single-Lane Tunnel for One Central Access: This tunnel will accommodate around 1,500 vehicles per hour, serving a key area in the city.

Bridges

The project will also see the construction of a critical bridge:

• 450m Two-Lane Bridge: This bridge will connect the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) to Za’abeel Palace Street.
• Additional Bridges: Five more bridges, totaling 5 kilometers, will link Sheikh Zayed Road with various major roads, further supporting the flow of traffic.

Street Widening

The expansion of Al Mustaqbal Street will cover over 3.5 kilometers, enhancing the roadway from three lanes to four in each direction. This widening effort will play a vital role in alleviating congestion and facilitating smoother transit in the area.

Intersections and Ramps

Improvements will also include:

• Free-Flowing Ramps: Designed at Exhibition and Trade Centre Streets to enhance traffic movement.
• Surface-Level Conversion of Trade Centre Roundabout: This will streamline connections to Sheikh Zayed Road and the 2nd of December Street, improving overall traffic flow.

Pedestrian and Cycling Enhancements

Incorporating community needs, the project will add:

• Pedestrian Bridge Over Al Sukook Street: Ensuring safe crossings for foot traffic.
• Dedicated Cycling Tracks and Upgraded Walkways: Promoting eco-friendly transportation methods and providing better facilities for cyclists.
• Urban Spaces and Decorative Lighting: Enhancing the aesthetic appeal and usability for community activities.

Linking Projects

This major development is part of a broader initiative by the RTA, which includes other infrastructural projects designed to support the growing needs of Dubai:

• Oud Metha and Al Asayel Streets Upgrade: Currently ongoing, this project includes 4.3 kilometers of bridges and 14 kilometers of new roads, aimed at serving over 420,000 residents by 2030 while reducing travel times by 50%.

• Al Khail Road Development: Recently completed, this project added 3.3 kilometers of new bridges and 6.8 kilometers of widened roads, leading to a 30% reduction in travel times and an increase in capacity to accommodate 19,600 vehicles per hour.

Project Significance

Mattar Al Tayer, the Director General and Chairman of the RTA, emphasized the importance of the Al Mustaqbal Street Development Project. He noted its strategic relevance in serving key commercial and residential zones such as the Dubai World Trade Centre, which has long stood as a regional hub for international exhibitions and events. With these upgrades, connectivity among the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Downtown Dubai, and Business Bay will be enhanced, anticipated to benefit around 500,000 residents and visitors.

This development represents a significant commitment to improving transportation infrastructure in Dubai, ensuring that the city’s growth aligns with its ambition for modernity and connectivity.