Final bridge set to ease congestion and reduce journey times from six minutes to just one.
Dubai: Motorists passing through the busy Dubai World Trade Centre district can expect shorter journeys from today, with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) opening the fifth and final bridge under the Dh696-million-plus World Trade Centre Roundabout Development Project.
The new 1km bridge links Al Majlis Street with 2nd December Street, reducing travel time between the two roads from six minutes to just one minute. The wider development is also expected to bring down average delays at the intersection from 12 minutes to 90 seconds.
With all five bridges now operational, here’s a closer look at how the upgraded junction will improve traffic movement, the roads it connects and what motorists should know.
Where is Dubai’s new bridge located?
The bridge is situated at the World Trade Centre Roundabout, a major road junction linking Sheikh Zayed Road with five key streets:
- Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street
- Sheikh Rashid Street
- 2nd December Street
- Za’abeel Palace Street
- Al Majlis Street
The intersection serves as an important route for motorists travelling between Dubai World Trade Centre, Downtown Dubai, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Deira and neighbouring communities.
Which roads does the new bridge connect?
The 1,000-metre (1km), two-lane bridge provides a direct connection between Al Majlis Street and 2nd December Street.
Designed to handle approximately 3,000 vehicles per hour, the structure aims to improve traffic movement and offer motorists a faster, more convenient route between the two roads.
It is the fifth and final bridge to open as part of the World Trade Centre Roundabout Development Project, completing a network of five bridges spanning a combined 5km.
How much time will motorists save?
For drivers who regularly use the busy intersection, the biggest advantage will be shorter journeys and reduced traffic delays.
According to the RTA, the upgrades are expected to:
- Reduce travel time between Al Majlis Street and 2nd December Street from six minutes to just one minute.
- Bring down average intersection delays from 12 minutes to 90 seconds.
- Improve traffic movement between Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Mustaqbal Street, Sheikh Rashid Street and nearby routes.
The new bridges will also reduce the need for motorists to navigate the former roundabout, allowing vehicles to move more efficiently along major roads.
What has changed at World Trade Centre Roundabout?
The project has transformed the former roundabout into a ground-level intersection, supported by five bridges designed to streamline traffic in different directions.
Alongside the final bridge opening on October 30, the development includes:
- Sheikh Zayed Road to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street: A 1km, two-lane bridge towards Deira, with a capacity of 3,000 vehicles per hour.
- Sheikh Rashid Street to 2nd December Street: Two bridges with two lanes in each direction, spanning a combined 2km and accommodating up to 6,000 vehicles per hour.
- Al Majlis Street to 2nd December Street: Two bridges spanning a combined 2km, including the final structure opening on Friday, with a capacity of approximately 6,000 vehicles per hour.
Which Dubai roads and neighbourhoods will benefit?
The upgraded junction is expected to improve connectivity for motorists travelling between several key locations, including:
- Jumeirah
- Al Satwa
- Dubai World Trade Centre
- DIFC
- Deira
Nearby residential communities expected to benefit include Za’abeel, Al Satwa, Al Karama, Al Jafiliya and Al Makhoul.
According to the RTA, the development is expected to serve more than 500,000 residents and visitors, including daily commuters and people attending exhibitions and events at Dubai World Trade Centre.
Why are roadworks continuing nearby?
While Friday’s bridge opening marks the completion of the World Trade Centre Roundabout Development Project, another major road improvement scheme is still under way in the surrounding area.
The Al Mustaqbal Street Development Project covers the stretch between Za’abeel Palace Street and Financial Centre Street.
The project involves:
- Widening Al Mustaqbal Street from three to four lanes in each direction.
- Building bridges and tunnels spanning a combined 1.5km.
- Increasing the road’s capacity by 33 per cent.
- Cutting journey times from 13 minutes to six minutes.
When will the remaining roadworks be completed?
The Al Mustaqbal Street Development Project is scheduled for completion in 2027.
Once finished, it will complement the newly completed World Trade Centre bridges, improving connectivity between Dubai’s business districts and surrounding residential communities while preparing the road network for future traffic growth.
