Dubai opens new tunnel to ease Deira traffic jams

Dubai has recently inaugurated a new 1,650-metre Al Khaleej Street Tunnel, aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in the bustling Deira area. The six-lane tunnel, featuring three lanes for each direction, boasts a combined capacity of 12,000 vehicles per hour, set to ease congestion along one of Deira's crucial traffic corridors and enhance access to numerous residential, commercial, and tourist spots.

The opening of the tunnel marks a significant step in the larger Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project, positioned to cut journey times across some of Dubai's busiest roads. By 2030, with the completion of the entire corridor, the projected reduction in journey times is expected to shrink from 1 hour and 44 minutes to just 16 minutes.

According to Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, the tunnel's opening is a milestone in Dubai’s road infrastructure development, designed to cater to the emirate’s growing population and expanding urban areas. The tunnel's installation will notably benefit motorists travelling through Abu Hail, Al Wuheida, Al Mamzar, and those heading towards Dubai Islands, Waterfront Market, and Al Hamriya Port, as these areas are witnessing substantial residential, commercial, and tourism growth, necessitating improved road connectivity.

RTA has also revamped roundabouts on Cairo Street and Al Wuheida Street, converting them into signal-controlled intersections, and is enhancing traffic flow along Cairo Street. Additionally, the project includes converting the bridge ramp from Dubai Islands to the new tunnel towards Al Mamzar, which is aimed at mitigating traffic bottlenecks and improving accessibility between established neighborhoods and new developments.

The tunnel project has seen an impressive safety record, with almost 11 million work hours logged without any reported injuries. RTA's commitment to sustainability is evident, with 77 per cent of the excavated materials, totaling 522,000 cubic metres, being repurposed in RTA and other projects. The tunnel's aesthetic enhancement comes in the form of a large-scale mural, designed by Emirati artist Maryam Al Hathboor, depicting Dubai's skyline.

Utilising 36 million mosaic pieces, the mosaic artwork blends Dubai's architectural and commercial heritage with modern identity.