UAE announces road closures amid construction for Etihad Rail, Dubai Metro Blue Line
The Dubai Metro Blue Line and Etihad Rail are the two landmark projects that residents eagerly await, as they promise to decrease the country's dependence on private vehicles, and improve commute times.
The two projects not only improve transport quality, but can also have an impact on residents' quality of life, freeing up time usually spent in traffic. Commuters have previously expressed grievances, with residents losing up to 'one day a month' stuck on the country's roads.
Sharjah closures on Mleiha Road
With Etihad Rail poised to connect all seven emirates, and link the country with the wider GCC region, road works have been in full swing in Sharjah. The national railway network will be a relief for Sharjah residents who often commute to other emirates, mostly Dubai, for work, and spend hours of their day in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
To create the infrastructure needed for the landmark project, the emirate announced a 2-month closure of streets connecting Mleiha Road and Sharjah Ring Road, near University Bridge.
The closure, which began on Tuesday, July 1, will last until Saturday, August 30.
Mirdif closures in Dubai
Dubai Metro Blue Line created a buzz when Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum laid the foundation stone for its first station, which is also the world's tallest metro station. Read the Khaleej Times report to take a look at the Emaar Properties station's stunning design.
To enable the metro line to connect key areas in the emirate, traffic diversions have been announced at Mirdif. These are expected in two parts of the area:
The roundabout intersection between 5th and 8th Street near City Centre Mirdif will be closed, with a diversion from 5th to 8th towards City Centre Mirdif, and vice versa from 8th to 5th Street towards Algeria Street.
The RTA will be providing an alternative access road to the parking area for mall visitors, with a U-turn for residents near 'Ghoroob Square' for traffic flow coming from City Centre Mirdif Street.
The new project is set to transport passengers across the bustling city from September 9, 2029. It is the first metro line crossing the Dubai Creek; the Blue Line will connect residential areas to Dubai International Airport in just 20 minutes, and reduce traffic congestion by 20 per cent. A Khaleej Times report reveals all you need to know about the Dubai Metro Blue Line.
Closures in Academic City
With the Blue Line set to connect to Dubai Academy City, which is projected to accommodate over 50,000 university students by 2029, construction works are ongoing in the area.
The diversions include closing 63 Street in both directions in front of the German Internartional School, with access to Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Street and providing alternative entry and exit points for the school.
The Blue Line project also serves the aspirations of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which aims to create a '20-minute city.' This concept ensures that more than 80 per cent of essential services are within a 20-minute travel time for residents.
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