Dubai Sets New Urban Mobility Benchmark With 13.5 Km Multi-Use Track
Under the leadership of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, Dubai, is embarking on a transformative journey to become a more bicycle-friendly city. This initiative, aimed at fostering a culture of cycling, has led to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announcement of constructing a 13.5 km track dedicated to bicycles, scooters, and pedestrians. This new addition will stretch from Al Sufouh to Dubai Hills via Hessa Street, incorporating two architecturally distinct bridges over Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, elaborated on the project, noting its integration into the broader Hessa Street Improvement Project. Spanning 4.5 km, this project aims to enhance four major intersections and double Hessa Street's capacity to accommodate 16,000 vehicles per hour in both directions. This expansion not only improves road efficiency but also integrates sustainable transport options with the city's infrastructure.
The multi-use track, measuring 13.5 km in length and 4.5 metres in width, is designed to connect various residential, commercial, and educational areas, enhancing first and last-mile connectivity. It aims to facilitate an estimated 5,200 users per hour, linking key locations such as the Dubai Internet City Metro Station. The inclusion of two uniquely designed bridges adds an aesthetic and functional edge to the project. The first bridge over Sheikh Zayed Road is 528 metres long, while the second, over Al Khail Road, extends for 501 metres, each offering distinct architectural themes and enhanced visibility for users.
The Hessa Street Improvement Project, serving communities like Al Sufouh 2, Al Barsha, and Jumeirah Village Circle, is expected to significantly benefit the area's growing population, projected to exceed 640,000 by 2030. The project's scope includes the doubling of Hessa Street's vehicle capacity and the improvement of four main intersections to streamline traffic flow and accessibility. The bicycle path plan includes increasing the total length of the bicycle path network in Dubai from the current 544 kilometers, rising to 1,000 km in 2030, as coastal areas such as the Jumeirah, Al Sufouh and Marina areas will be connected to external tracks in the Al Qudra, Saih Al Salam and Nad Al Sheba areas, passing through the Al Barsha, Dubai Hills and Nad Al Sheba areas.
Intersection Improvements
Significant upgrades are planned for intersections along Hessa Street, including the creation of a two-lane directional ramp at the Sheikh Zayed Road Intersection and the widening of the bridge at the First Al Khail Street Intersection. Improvements at Al Asayel Street Intersection and Al Khail Road Intersection aim to increase lane capacity and enhance traffic flow, ensuring smoother transitions for northbound and eastbound traffic towards major highways.
This comprehensive initiative reflects Dubai's commitment to promoting sustainable transport solutions and enhancing the city's infrastructure to accommodate its growing population and evolving needs. By integrating practical and aesthetic design elements, the project not only aims to improve traffic efficiency but also to elevate the overall quality of urban life in Dubai.
