Dubai’s Hessa Street Development: A Major Traffic Relief Initiative

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has officially unveiled Phase I of the Hessa Street Development Project, a significant milestone in the city’s efforts to alleviate congestion and enhance transport infrastructure amid rapid urban growth. This new stretch, covering 4.5 kilometers between Al Khail Road and Sheikh Zayed Road, is nearly 90% complete, with final aspects expected to wrap up by 2026.

Tackling Traffic Woes with Major Road Expansions

Phase I of the project focuses on expanding Hessa Street from two lanes to four lanes in each direction. This upgrade is designed to improve traffic flow for vehicles accessing key routes like Al Khail Road and Sheikh Zayed Road. Additionally, major bridges and intersections will be constructed and expanded at Al Asayel Street and First Al Khail Street, aimed at significantly reducing congestion and enhancing travel times across one of Dubai’s busiest corridors.

According to Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, the AED 690 million (approximately $188 million) project embodies the emirate’s vision of developing road networks in tandem with growing population and urbanization. By 2030, over 640,000 residents from areas such as Al Sufouh 2, Al Barsha, and Jumeirah Village Circle are expected to benefit from these improvements.

Promoting Sustainable Mobility: Cycling and E-Scooters

The Hessa Street project emphasizes more than just vehicle traffic. An accompanying 13.5 km dedicated cycling and e-scooter track, measuring 4.5 meters in width, will provide safe first- and last-mile connections to key destinations such as Dubai Hills and Al Sufouh. A notable feature includes a 5-meter-wide bridge designed for cyclists, e-scooters, and pedestrians to cross Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road safely, enhancing community connectivity and promoting active lifestyles.

Intersection Upgrades for Improved Traffic Flow

In addition to the lane expansions, critical upgrades to intersections comprise a vital aspect of the newly launched phase. Key improvements include:

• A two-lane directional ramp bridge over Dubai Metro’s Red Line at Sheikh Zayed Road, facilitating smoother eastbound access during peak hours.
• Widening of the First Al Khail Street bridge from three to four lanes in each direction to optimize signalized traffic flow.
• Expansion of the existing Al Asayel Street bridge to four lanes each way.
• A direct two-lane ramp for northbound traffic at the intersection with Al Khail Road.

Upon full completion, the Hessa Street Development Project is anticipated to double current traffic capacity—from approximately 8,000 vehicles per hour to 16,000 in both directions. This transformation promises to significantly reduce travel times and alleviate peak congestion on a historically bottlenecked route.

Enhancing Safety and Construction of a Smarter Network

Road users can look forward to more predictable journeys thanks to redesigned intersections and improved signaling. Furthermore, residents in the surrounding communities will experience greater safety for both drivers and non-motorized commuters. This initiative is part of RTA’s broader ambition to enhance Dubai’s transport network.

With the successful launch of Phase I, RTA is advancing various strategic corridors and roadway improvements to support the city’s ambitious development plans through 2030 and beyond, including new bridges, tunnels, and extensive roadway expansions.

As the final phases of the project move toward completion later this year, residents can expect notable enhancements in daily travel and overall quality of life throughout one of the UAE’s most dynamic cities.