Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has officially opened Phase I of the Hessa Street Development Project, a critical infrastructure upgrade designed to alleviate congestion on one of the city's busiest east-west corridors.
The project, valued at approximately AED 690 million (USD 188 million), represents a substantial commitment to expanding Dubai's road network and accommodating rapid urban growth.timesofindia.indiatimes
The 4.5-Kilometre Expansion and Lane Widening
Phase I encompasses a 4.5-kilometre stretch extending from Al Khail Road to Sheikh Zayed Road, marking the completion of 90 percent of the overall project, with remaining works scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2026.
The most significant improvement involves widening Hessa Street from two to four lanes in each direction, fundamentally transforming traffic flow patterns along this critical artery.thenationalnews
This lane expansion represents only the initial component of a comprehensive infrastructure overhaul. The development includes the construction and expansion of major bridges and intersections at three strategic points: Al Asayel Street, First Al Khail Street, and Sheikh Zayed Road.
Additionally, a fourth intersection at Al Khail Road was previously inaugurated at the end of 2024, featuring a two-lane directional ramp spanning 1,000 metres designed to enhance traffic movement between Hessa Street and Al Khail Road northbound towards Sharjah, reducing travel time from 15 minutes to three minutes.mediaoffice
Traffic Capacity Transformation
Upon full project completion, Hessa Street's traffic capacity will double from 8,000 vehicles per hour in both directions to 16,000 vehicles per hour, delivering substantial relief to one of Dubai's most congested routes.
The widened street, combined with enhanced intersection design and improved traffic signalling, promises more predictable journey times and reduced peak-hour congestion across the corridor.timesofindia.indiatimes
The directional ramp bridge constructed at the Sheikh Zayed Road intersection presents a particularly innovative engineering solution.
This two-lane bridge passes over Dubai Metro's Red Line while facilitating smoother eastbound access during peak traffic periods, serving right-turning traffic from Sheikh Zayed Road onto Hessa Street towards Emirates Road.
13.5-Kilometre Cycling and Micromobility Infrastructure
Beyond vehicular traffic improvements, the project prioritises sustainable mobility through the development of a 13.5-kilometre dedicated cycling and e-scooter track, 4.5 metres in width.
This comprehensive cycling network connects Al Sufouh to Dubai Hills via Hessa Street, serving residential neighbourhoods including Al Barsha, Barsha Heights, and Al Sufouh 2 while supporting direct connectivity with Dubai Internet City Metro Station.thenationalnews
The cycling infrastructure incorporates a distinctive architectural feature: a five-metre-wide bridge dedicated to cyclists, e-scooters, and pedestrians, spanning both Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road. The bridge allocates three metres for cycling and e-scooter users and two metres for pedestrians, incorporating architectural design elements inspired by the surrounding urban environment.
This integrated approach to first and last-mile connectivity addresses a critical gap in Dubai's sustainable transport ecosystem, enabling seamless connections between residential areas and major commercial and service destinations.thenationalnews
Strategic Geographic Impact and Population Reach
The project directly serves several major residential and development zones, including Al Sufouh 2, Al Barsha residential area, Jumeirah Village Circle, and Barsha Heights.
The RTA projects that the population benefiting from these improvements will exceed 640,000 residents by 2030, underscoring the project's significance for Dubai's continued urban expansion and economic development.timesofindia.indiatimes
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, emphasised that the project aligns with Dubai's leadership directives to develop road infrastructure capable of supporting sustained growth and meeting the demands of urban expansion and population increase.mediaoffice
Comprehensive Intersection Improvements
The project systematically addresses traffic flow at multiple critical intersections beyond the main widening initiative. The existing bridge at First Al Khail Street has been expanded from three to four lanes in each direction, accompanied by enhanced traffic-flow improvements at signal-controlled surface intersections.
Similarly, the Al Asayel Street bridge underwent expansion from two lanes in each direction to four lanes in each direction along Hessa Street, with corresponding improvements at signal-controlled at-grade intersections.
Timeline and Remaining Works
With Phase I now operational, the RTA continues work on remaining project components including additional road modifications, bridge construction, intersection refinements, and the completion of cycling track infrastructure.
All outstanding work is targeted for completion during the second quarter of 2026, bringing the full Hessa Street Development Project to operational completion.timesofindia.indiatimes
This phased approach enables the RTA to deliver traffic relief progressively while maintaining construction efficiency.
The opening of Phase I provides immediate capacity improvements to communities and commuters while final enhancements prepare the entire corridor for peak performance.
Integration with Dubai's Transport Vision
The Hessa Street Development Project forms a cornerstone element of Dubai's broader transportation infrastructure strategy. The project demonstrates the RTA's commitment to expanding and upgrading critical corridors throughout the emirate, supporting ambitious growth plans extending through 2030 and beyond.
By combining lane expansion, intersection optimisation, bridge construction, and sustainable mobility infrastructure, the initiative exemplifies an integrated approach to urban transport planning that balances vehicular movement with sustainable alternatives.
The opening of Hessa Street Phase I marks a tangible milestone in Dubai's ongoing effort to transform its traffic landscape, enhance connectivity across diverse neighbourhoods, and provide drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians with safer and more efficient network options across one of the United Arab Emirates' most dynamic urban centres.
