Dubai's new 80km motorway can cut congestion and boost road safety, experts say

Dubai's ambitious plan to construct an 80km, 12-lane motorway connecting Abu Dhabi and Sharjah aims to alleviate road congestion, enhance safety and accommodate future growth, according to transport experts. The new highway, which is set to open between Al Faya Road in Abu Dhabi and Al Shanouf Road in Sharjah, seeks to rebalance Dubai's current inter-emirate traffic, which has relied heavily on three main roads for nearly two decades.

Joseph Salem, a consultant with Arthur D Little Middle East, explains that the fourth corridor serves as a means to "build capacity ahead of demand," a crucial strategy for a growing metropolis like Dubai.

Experts suggest that the new motorway's success depends on sufficient demand to support both the railway and metro systems alongside the highway. Elisabetta Cherchi, a professor at New York University Abu Dhabi, emphasizes that new roads are sometimes necessary despite investments in public transportation, as railway systems may not always compete effectively with highways.

The motorway's integration with Etihad Rail and Al Maktoum International Airport is expected to improve connectivity to Dubai's emerging growth areas, including residential and commercial districts.

With 17 tunnels, 72 bridges, and 45 storm-water drainage culverts, the motorway is designed to handle up to 24,000 vehicles per hour in both directions. Phase one, costing Dh3.5 billion, will connect Al Shanouf Road to the Dubai – Al Ain Road, while phase two will link the Dubai – Al Ain Road to Al Faya Road in Abu Dhabi. The project, which is expected to lead to significant reductions in travel times, has proven to be a formidable challenge for Dubai, with its track record of delivering large-scale, complex initiatives.

Despite safety concerns and the potential for additional traffic due to the increased road capacity, safety expert Thomas Edelmann believes that the motorway's construction will help alleviate congestion and reduce travel times, resulting in fewer accidents. However, public transport expert Dr. John cautions that without implementing demand-management measures, the new capacity could attract additional traffic, with lasting benefits dependent on such measures as road pricing, off-peak freight scheduling, and flexible working arrangements.