Sharjah: The Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is coordinating with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority and the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure on new projects aimed at improving road links and easing traffic between the two emirates.
The projects, which are expected to be launched in the coming period, will complement existing initiatives, including the development of the Al Taawun Tunnel.
Sharjah RTA also said it had completed more than 100km of main and internal roads in residential, industrial and commercial areas across the emirate this year. Road works have been completed in 10 residential areas over the past four years, while further projects are under way to improve the efficiency of the road network and traffic flow.
Proactive vision
Dr Abdullah Al Ali, Director of the Roads Maintenance Department at Sharjah RTA, said the authority continues to implement development projects in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and his emphasis on developing infrastructure and facilities and improving the quality of life for citizens and residents.
Speaking on the “Live Broadcast” programme on Noor Dubai Radio, Al Ali said Sharjah was implementing several major strategic projects to develop its road network and infrastructure.
These include the recent opening of the first phase of the Al Taawun Tunnel project, as well as the first phase of the Al Khan Street development project, which includes the construction of three bridges to improve traffic flow between Sharjah and Dubai.
Road development
Al Ali said the authority is also developing Sheikh Khalid bin Khalid Al Qasimi Road in Wasit suburb by introducing traffic-light-controlled intersections connected to the central control room to improve traffic flow.
Work is also under way on a three-lane bridge at the intersection connecting Maliha Street and Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street towards Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Street. The project is expected to be completed within seven months.
In the central and eastern regions, work is progressing on the entrance bridge to Al Dhaid, which is expected to open in the coming days.
A new dual bridge providing two lanes in each direction towards Al Hisn Island in Dibba Al Hisn has also recently opened.
Al Ali said Sharjah RTA had completed more than 100km of main and internal roads in residential, industrial and commercial areas this year to support urban development and meet the needs of residents and road users.
Residents’ requests
He said road works had been completed in 10 residential areas in Sharjah city over the past four years, particularly in locations where infrastructure such as sewage and rainwater drainage networks had already been completed, allowing road works to proceed comprehensively.
Addressing requests from residents of Muwailih suburb and Al Qarain for road improvements, Al Ali said the authority had taken the necessary steps and appointed a consultant for the project.
Design work is currently under way ahead of implementation, with the first phase of development set to begin in Al Qarain 3 and Al Qarain 5.
Regarding traffic flow following the opening of the first phase of the Al Taawun project, he said the first phase had been completed and the second would be finished soon. This is expected to further improve traffic flow, ease vehicle movement and reduce congestion.
He added that other projects would follow the Al Taawun Tunnel development.
New Sharjah-Dubai road projects
Al Ali said there was extensive and continuing coordination between Sharjah RTA, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority over road connections between Sharjah and Dubai.
He said the main routes linking the two emirates, including Al Ittihad Street, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Street and Emirates Road, fall under the ministry’s jurisdiction.
Meetings and coordination are continuing on plans to develop the main road links between the emirates.
Al Ali said new projects would be launched in the coming period to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion.
He attributed increasing traffic between Sharjah and Dubai to the UAE’s economic and urban growth and its continued attraction of residents and investors.
Smart technologies
Al Ali said Sharjah RTA is also focusing on modern technology and artificial intelligence to manage the road network more efficiently.
Among its priorities is the development of road asset management systems and the use of cameras, smart sensors and other technologies to monitor road conditions and identify damage at an early stage.
Data analysis is also being used to determine maintenance priorities.
Al Ali said the approach would help the authority shift from traditional maintenance to proactive maintenance, improve the management of road assets and support the long-term sustainability of infrastructure.
Responding to public questions about the duration of road projects and why work does not continue around the clock, he said the authority seeks to carry out projects during the summer break and school holidays whenever possible.
However, some major projects require more than two or three months to complete and cannot be finished within those periods.
He added that work is prohibited during specified midday hours in summer, with the lost working time compensated for at night where possible.
Al Ali said some phases of road projects also require coordination with other authorities and involve infrastructure works that may not be visible to road users.