Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has officially opened a vital two-lane bridge spanning 1,000 metres to improve traffic flow between Hessa Street and Al Khail Road.

The new bridge promises to significantly ease congestion, reducing travel time from Hessa Street to Al Khail Road from 15 minutes to just three.This is a crucial step in the ongoing Hessa Street development project, aimed at enhancing connectivity across the city’s expanding urban landscape.

According to the RTA, 54 per cent of the Hessa Street project, which also includes the upgrade of four major intersections, has already been completed.The entire development is expected to be fully operational by Q4 2025, facilitating smoother access to Dubai’s city centre and Dubai International Airport.

#RTA opens a key bridge connecting Hessa Street to Al Khail Road. Spanning 1,000 metres, the bridge is part of a major project to develop four intersections along Hessa Street. It significantly reduces travel time between the two streets from 15 minutes to just 3 minutes while… pic.twitter.com/4aB2L2yEJ7

— RTA (@rta_dubai) December 22, 2024

Project to double capacity to 8,000 vehicles per hour

Mattar Al Tayer, director general and chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, highlighted that the Hessa Street development covers a 4.5km stretch, from its intersection with Sheikh Zayed Road to Al Khail Road.

The project aims to keep pace with the rapid growth of Dubai’s infrastructure.

“The project is not just about improving traffic flow, but also about addressing the demands of a growing population and urban development,” Al Tayer stated. The upgrade will increase Hessa Street’s capacity from 8,000 vehicles per hour to 16,000 vehicles per hour, effectively doubling its capacity.

Hessa Street development: Supporting the emirate’s expanding population

The Hessa Street development is expected to serve a growing residential population, particularly in areas such as Al Sufouh 2, Al Barsha and Jumeirah Village Circle.By 2030, the population in these areas is projected to exceed 640,000.

In addition to road capacity enhancements, the project also includes the construction of a 13.5km cycling and e-scooter track. The track will link key residential areas, such as Al Barsha and Barsha Heights, to important commercial hubs like Dubai Internet City, enhancing sustainable mobility options and providing better first and last-mile connectivity.