Dubai Al Safa Street project explained: How new bridges and tunnels will cut traffic

Dubai is undertaking a major upgrade of Al Safa Street, an essential route connecting Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Wasl Street, and Al Satwa Road. The $1.2 billion Al Safa Street Improvement Project aims to ease congestion and reduce journey times by constructing new bridges, tunnels, and widening lanes. Once completed, the project will shave a 12-minute commute down to just three minutes, and boost road capacity by doubling traffic from 6,000 to 12,000 vehicles per hour in both directions.

The upgrade involves two bridges and two tunnels, totaling 3,120 meters in length. The two bridges, a four-lane 1,005-meter bridge and a two-lane 360-meter bridge, will facilitate traffic flow between Al Wasl Street, Al Satwa Road, and Sheikh Zayed Road. Meanwhile, the two tunnels, each 1,005 meters and 750 meters long, will provide direct routes between intersections, bypassing congested junctions.

To maintain traffic flow during construction, vehicles are being rerouted onto temporary roads alongside the work zones, while Al Satwa Street and Al Multaqa Street intersections are also being reorganized with widened entry/exit points and additional free-flow U-turn lanes. Once the project is finished, drivers will experience fewer stops at signalized junctions and a smoother journey between major routes, including Sheikh Zayed Road and Emirates Road.