Dubai RTA And Police Announce New Truck Movement Timings On Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in collaboration with Dubai Police General Headquarters has announced a significant update to the truck movement timings on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road. This change, effective from 28th April 2024, aims to alleviate congestion during peak traffic hours. The revised schedule will see restrictions in the morning from 06:30 to 08:30 am, and during the afternoon in two slots: from 01:00 to 03:00 pm, and again from 05:30 to 08:00 pm. This adjustment affects the stretch of road from Ras Al Khor Road to Sharjah, impacting both directions.

Hussein Al Banna, CEO of Traffic and Roads Agency at the RTA, emphasized that this decision follows thorough studies highlighting the necessity for such changes. The objective is to smooth out traffic flow by redistributing truck movements to alternative routes during these peak times. This strategic move is expected to reduce traffic congestion by up to 15% during these critical periods.

Al Banna detailed the comprehensive engineering and technical studies undertaken to inform this decision, including analyses of vehicle density, incident rates, and urban development. The RTA, in partnership with Dubai Police and other stakeholders, is committed to effectively communicating these changes through various channels. This includes installing signs at key points along Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, press releases, advertising campaigns, social media outreach, and multilingual radio announcements.

Truck drivers, transport companies, and shipping operators are urged to adhere to these new timings. They are encouraged to utilize alternative routes such as Emirates Road or designated truck rest areas during restricted periods.

Since mid-2023, the RTA has embarked on a project to develop truck rest areas across Dubai in partnership with the private sector. This initiative aims to construct and enhance 19 rest stops along major roads including Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Emirates Road, Dubai-Hatta Road, and Dubai-Ain Road. These areas will span over 300,000 square metres and accommodate approximately 1,000 trucks and heavy vehicles.

The first phase of this development is set to launch in August 2024 with 15 rest areas becoming operational. The completion of the remaining facilities is projected by the end of 2025.

Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Director General of the Traffic Department at Dubai Police, underscored the importance of these traffic measures. Developed in close coordination with RTA based on engineering and technical standards, these initiatives aim to regulate truck movements effectively during peak hours.

Al Mazrouei also emphasized the critical role of compliance from heavy vehicle drivers, transport companies, and truck owners in supporting these traffic management efforts. Adherence to the revised restrictions is vital for avoiding penalties and ensuring the smooth flow of traffic on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road.

With inputs from WAM