Dubai's RTA Launches Enhanced Hessa Street Project, Travel Time Slashed

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai has inaugurated the complete Hessa Street Development Project, spanning 4.5 km between Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road. This initiative is designed to enhance traffic flow and minimize travel times along one of the city's busiest routes.

Hessa Street has been expanded from two lanes to four lanes in both directions, alongside significant upgrades at four critical intersections: Sheikh Zayed Road, First Al Khail Street, Al Asayel Street, and Al Khail Road. This transformation effectively doubles the road’s capacity from 8,000 to 16,000 vehicles per hour.

Consequently, the travel time on this stretch has drastically decreased from 15 minutes to just 4 minutes, facilitating quicker and more efficient transit for daily commuters.

His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at RTA, noted that the project aligns with Dubai's aspirations for improved infrastructure, mobility, and catering to significant urban growth. He emphasized that Hessa Street is crucial for serving major residential areas, including Al Sufouh 2, Al Barsha, and Jumeirah Village Circle, with a projected population of over 640,000 by 2030.

Key Project Developments:

• A two-lane ramp over the Dubai Metro Red Line to streamline access from Sheikh Zayed Road to Hessa Street.

• Widening of the bridge at First Al Khail Street to accommodate four lanes in each direction.

• Construction of an additional parallel bridge at Al Asayel Street to boost capacity.

• Directional ramps and extra bridges at Al Khail Road for improved connectivity towards Sharjah and Deira.

RTA has also commenced Phase 2 of the project, which will extend Hessa Street from Al Khail Road to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road over 3 km and includes 8,835 metres of bridges and a 480-metre tunnel.

Phase 2 is projected to double road capacity from 4,000 to 8,000 vehicles per hour and reduce travel times from 24 minutes to just 5 minutes, further enhancing connectivity within communities like Jumeirah Village Circle, Arjan, Dubai Science Park, Al Barsha South, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, and Emirates Hills.

This initiative is anticipated to serve around 650,000 residents and facilitate nearly half a million trips daily, marking a significant advancement in Dubai's transportation infrastructure.