Latest news with #roadinfrastructure
LBCI
4 days ago
- Politics
- LBCI
PM Salam chairs meeting to address Lebanon's growing traffic crisis
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam chaired a meeting at the Grand Serail to address the worsening traffic crisis in Beirut and other regions, in the presence of security officials and representatives from the Interior Ministry. The meeting identified key causes of the traffic crisis, such as limited ISF personnel, insufficient equipment and readiness, the absence of a regulated public transport system, persistent problems with the vehicle inspection program, non-functional traffic lights, and ineffective parking meters. Several urgent measures were agreed upon, including: * Enhancing coordination between the Interior and Public Works ministries to rehabilitate road infrastructure ahead of the winter season and school reopening. * Reactivating out-of-service traffic signals at critical intersections in Beirut. * Improving the deployment of traffic officers in the capital and boosting field readiness. * Reviewing and improving the vehicle inspection system to ensure efficiency and transparency. * Launching a gradual plan to expand the effectiveness of public transportation in Beirut and other areas. The meeting falls within the government's efforts to address traffic as one of the pressing daily challenges affecting citizens' lives and safety.
The National
03-08-2025
- Business
- The National
New four-lane tunnel opens in Dubai to reduce traffic congestion
An 800-metre tunnel with four lanes in each direction has opened in Dubai as part of a project to ease traffic flow in the city. The tunnel extends from the junction with Al Khail Road to the intersection with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road as part of the Umm Suqeim Street development project. The project is part of plans by the emirate's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to enhance traffic flow and upgrade road infrastructure in line with Dubai's sustained urban and population growth. 'The Umm Suqeim Street development project extends from the intersection with Al Khail Road to the intersection with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, covering a distance of 4.6km," said Mattar Al Tayer, RTA director general, on Sunday. "The works included upgrading the intersection of Umm Suqeim Street with Al Barsha South Street, near Kings' School, where an 800-metre-long underpass with four lanes in each direction was constructed, in addition to a signalised surface-level intersection. "This development is considered one of the most important strategic projects for developing transverse east-west roads to enhance connectivity with vertical north-south roads. The completion of the project complements RTA's efforts to upgrade this corridor." The tunnel is part of plans to develop the Umm Suqeim-Al Qudra corridor, which extends from the intersection with Jumeirah Street to the junction with Emirates Road, spanning a total of 16km.
Motor 1
18-07-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
GM's New Technology Could Help You Avoid Crappy Roads
Let's face it: America's road infrastructure is less than perfect. Potholes, pockmarks, and defects line hundreds of thousands of miles of pavement across this country. And with so many vehicles driving along these roads each day, deterioration is almost impossible to predict. Almost. General Motors recently filed a patent application for a system aimed at warning drivers of road deterioration before they even see it. GM Authority uncovered details that show GM filed the application initially with the US Patent and Trademark Office on December 15th, 2023, though it wasn't published publicly until June 19th, 2025. It lives under the patent number: US 2025/0200526 A1. GM's system would use sensors and cameras on vehicles, collecting road data such as suspension displacement, wheel rotation, and vibration as they drive. The company would then use those cameras to show road imperfections in real time—like potholes or pooling water—and beam that information up to the cloud via specific telematics and GPS. From there, the system will determine a Road Maintenance Score that reflects the condition of the road in question. Poor enough score? GM could—in theory—send that information to officials for immediate attention. GM's system would also recommend alternate routes to drivers via the in-car navigation system if it detects broken pavement along their path. Though it wasn't specified in the patent, we would expect a system like this to work in perfect tandem with GM's Super Cruise, which will soon have 750,000 miles worth of roadways across the US and Canada already mapped out. It's certainly an interesting idea—and one that could theoretically save drivers thousands of dollars in repair bills, especially given America's below-average road conditions. GM Road Deterioration Patent Filing Photo by: US Patent and Trademark Office GM Road Deterioration Patent Filing Photo by: US Patent and Trademark Office Earlier this year, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) gave America's infrastructure a "C" grade, as reported by Fortune . The ASCE takes things like bridges, dams, and, of course, roads into account when scoring, which happens once every four years. The ASCE's "C" grade is actually an improvement over the previous rating, due in large part to former President Biden's $1-trillion infrastructure deal, which became law in 2021. "We have seen the investments start to pay off, but we still have a lot of work to do out there," noted Darren Olson, chair of the ASCE's report. "By investing in our infrastructure, we're making our economy more efficient, we're making it stronger (and) we're making ourselves globally more competitive." Of course, this road deterioration patent isn't the only thing in GM's arsenal aimed at helping drivers. Last May, GM filed a patent dubbed the 'Vehicle Occupant Mental Wellbeing Assessment and Countermeasure Deployment.' Essentially, a road rage deterrent that would use countermeasures to prevent an 'undesirable situation' while on the road. A separate GM patent filing from 2023 aimed at reducing headlight glare from oncoming vehicles via an augmented-reality, auto-dimming windshield . It should be noted that GM hasn't received patents for these inventions. But we can hope some of this technology makes its way to the road—and eventually improves our lives. More Cool Patents Time Is a Circle: Stellantis Snags Patent for Three-Speed EV Gearbox Ferrari Trademarks Hint at Two New Special Editions Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Source: US Patent and Trademark Office via GM Authority Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Emirates 24/7
14-07-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
RTA Awards AED 633 Million Contract for Al Mustaqbal Street Development Project
In line with the directives of the leadership to enhance the road infrastructure and public transport systems in support of urban development, population growth, and improved quality of life, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded the contract for the Al Mustaqbal Street Development Project. The project extends from the intersection with Za'abeel Palace Street to Financial Centre Street, at a total cost of AED 633 million. The scope includes the construction of bridges and tunnels extending 1,700 metres, and the widening of the street from three to four lanes in each direction. The development will increase the corridor's capacity by 33%, from 6,600 to 8,800 vehicles per hour in both directions and reduce travel time from 13 minutes to 6 minutes. His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) stated: 'Al Mustaqbal Street Development Project forms part of a broader project that includes the development of the Trade Centre Roundabout, with construction works having commenced in the last quarter of last year. The project will serve several key commercial, residential, and development zones, most notably the Dubai World Trade Centre, which has been the region's premier venue for international events and exhibitions for over four decades. It hosts major global exhibitions and conferences such as GITEX, Arabian Travel Market, Arab Health, Gulfood, and the Transport Exhibition, among others.' 'The project will also serve Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a leading financial hub for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. It will further enhance connectivity to key areas, including Za'abeel, Downtown Dubai, and Business Bay. The project is expected to benefit approximately half a million residents and visitors,' Al Tayer said. Three Tunnels and Bridge Al Tayer added: 'The project includes the construction of three tunnels totalling 1,200 metres at the intersection of Al Mustaqbal Street and Trade Centre Street. The first is a three-lane tunnel along Al Mustaqbal Street heading towards Deira, with a capacity of 4,500 vehicles per hour. The second is a two-lane tunnel turning left from Al Mustaqbal Street onto Trade Centre Street, serving bidirectional traffic between Deira and Jebel Ali, with a combined capacity of 3,000 vehicles per hour. The third is a single-lane tunnel dedicated to the One Central development, with a capacity of 1,500 vehicles per hour." 'The project entails the construction of a 450-metre, two-lane bridge serving traffic flowing from Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) towards the intersection of Za'abeel Palace Street and Al Mustaqbal Street. Additionally, it involves the widening of Al Mustaqbal Street over a 3,500-metre stretch from its intersection with Financial Centre Street to Za'abeel Palace Street by expanding the street from three to four lanes in each direction.' 'The project also includes the construction of free-flowing ramps to improve traffic movement at the intersections of Al Mustaqbal Street with both Exhibition Street and Trade Centre Street. It further encompasses the construction of a pedestrian bridge over Al Sukook Street and the upgrade of existing intersections along the corridor.' The project also introduces creative and aesthetic enhancements to the area, including upgraded pedestrian walkways, a dedicated cycling track, and decorative lighting, aimed at ensuring safer and more accessible streets for all users. It further involves the creation of urban spaces to encourage community engagement and support vibrant, inclusive urban living. Additionally, the project will strengthen connectivity between major development zones and nearby metro stations, enabling seamless and integrated access for both residents and visitors. Al Tayer elaborated: 'Al Mustaqbal Street Development Project forms part of a master plan that includes the Development of the Trade Centre Roundabout, one of Dubai's critical intersections linking Sheikh Zayed Road with five major arterial roads: Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street, Sheikh Rashid Road, 2nd December Street, Za'abeel Palace Street, and Al Mustaqbal Street.' The project involves the construction of five bridges with a total length of 5,000 metres, and the conversion of the existing roundabout into a surface-level intersection to improve traffic flow from Sheikh Zayed Road towards 2nd December Street, and from Al Mustaqbal Street to Sheikh Zayed Road (southbound). It also enables uninterrupted movement from 2nd December Street (Jumeirah and Al Satwa) to Al Majlis Street, providing direct access to Al Mustaqbal Street, which serves both Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai International Financial Centre, along with Sheikh Rashid Road towards Deira. In addition, a second-level bridge will ensure free-flowing traffic from Sheikh Zayed Road towards Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street,' he added. The construction of the Trade Centre Roundabout and Al Mustaqbal Street Development Projects is progressing in parallel with another major road infrastructure project in the area. In the last quarter of 2024, the RTA commenced Oud Metha and Al Asayel Streets Development Project, which includes the upgrade of four key intersections through the construction of bridges extending 4,300 metres, in addition to 14 kilometres of roadway. The project serves critical residential, service, and development zones, where the population is expected to exceed 420,000 by 2030. It is set to reduce travel time by 50%, from 20 minutes to just 10 minutes. This project also coincides with the completion of several phases of Al Khail Road Development Project, which included the construction of bridges totalling 3,300 metres and the widening of lanes across 6,820 metres, covering seven key locations along Al Khail Road. The project has resulted in a 30% reduction in travel time and increased the capacity of existing intersections and bridges by approximately 19,600 vehicles per hour.
Gulf Business
13-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Dubai's new road plan: Traffic to be eased at Downtown Dubai, Business Bay
Image credit: WAM/Website In line with directives from Dubai's leadership to enhance road infrastructure and public transport in support of urban development, population growth, and quality of life, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded a contract for the Al Mustaqbal Street Development Project. Read- The Dhs633m project extends from the intersection with Za'abeel Palace Street to Financial Centre Street. Once completed, it is expected to significantly improve traffic flow, cut travel times, and enhance access to key business and residential districts in central Dubai, The development includes the construction of 1,700 metres of bridges and tunnels, and the widening of Al Mustaqbal Street from three to four lanes in each direction. These upgrades will increase the road's capacity by 33 per cent, from 6,600 to 8,800 vehicles per hour in both directions, and reduce average travel time from 13 minutes to 6 minutes. Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, stated that the project is part of a broader plan that includes the ongoing development of the Trade Centre Roundabout. 'Construction began in the last quarter of last year and aims to support several key commercial, residential, and development zones,' he said. Serving key hubs: DWTC, DIFC, Downtown and beyond Al Tayer emphasised the strategic importance of the project for several landmark areas. 'The Al Mustaqbal Street Development will serve the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), which has hosted major exhibitions like GITEX, Arabian Travel Market, Arab Health, Gulfood, and the Transport Exhibition for over four decades.' He added that the project will also improve access to the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a leading hub for the financial sector in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. The upgrades are expected to benefit nearly half a million residents and visitors, and enhance connectivity to prominent districts such as Za'abeel, Downtown Dubai, and Business Bay. Key infrastructure components include: Three new tunnels , totaling 1,200 metres, at the intersection of Al Mustaqbal Street and Trade Centre Street: A three-lane tunnel toward Deira (4,500 vehicles/hour) A two-lane bidirectional tunnel between Deira and Jebel Ali (3,000 vehicles/hour) A single-lane tunnel serving the One Central development (1,500 vehicles/hour) A 450-metre two-lane bridge for traffic from DWTC to Za'abeel Palace Street Widening of Al Mustaqbal Street over a 3.5-kilometre stretch to four lanes in each direction Additional upgrades will include the construction of free-flowing ramps to improve traffic at intersections with Exhibition Street and Trade Centre Street, as well as a pedestrian bridge over Al Sukook Street and upgrades to existing junctions along the corridor. Creating safer, more connected urban spaces Beyond vehicle traffic improvements, the project also introduces enhancements to the urban environment. These include upgraded pedestrian walkways, a dedicated cycling track, and decorative lighting—all aimed at promoting safety, accessibility, and visual appeal. The plan also features new public spaces designed to foster community engagement and support vibrant, inclusive urban living. Al Tayer noted that the development integrates with a larger master plan that includes the full reconstruction of the Trade Centre Roundabout—one of Dubai's most critical intersections. 'This junction connects Sheikh Zayed Road with five key arterial roads: Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street, Sheikh Rashid Road, 2nd December Street, Za'abeel Palace Street, and Al Mustaqbal Street,' he explained. The roundabout upgrade will include: Five new bridges totaling 5,000 metres Conversion of the existing roundabout into a surface-level intersection to improve traffic between Sheikh Zayed Road and 2nd December Street, and between Al Mustaqbal Street and Sheikh Zayed Road (southbound) A second-level bridge for free-flowing traffic from Sheikh Zayed Road to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street These changes aim to improve connectivity for key destinations including DWTC, DIFC, and the wider Deira area. Part of a broader network expansion The Al Mustaqbal Street and Trade Centre projects are being developed in tandem with several other major road infrastructure initiatives. In Q4 of 2024, the RTA also launched the Oud Metha and Al Asayel Streets Development Project, which involves upgrading four key intersections through the construction of bridges totaling 4,300 metres and 14 kilometres of roadway. This parallel development is designed to serve residential and commercial zones where the population is projected to exceed 420,000 by 2030. It is expected to reduce average travel time by 50 per cent, from 20 minutes to just 10 minutes. In addition, the RTA recently completed phases of the Al Khail Road Development Projec t , which included 3,300 metres of new bridges and the widening of lanes across 6,820 metres. Spanning seven locations, the project has cut travel times by 30 per cent and boosted capacity by nearly 19,600 vehicles per hour. Together, these interconnected projects reflect Dubai's broader commitment to building a smart, efficient, and future-ready transport network capable of meeting the city's ambitious urban growth and mobility goals.
