The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has inaugurated a new 500-metre bridge today, designed to facilitate traffic flow from the Dubai World Trade Centre and the One Central buildings towards the Future Street intersection with Zabeel Palace Street. This development significantly reduces travel time from the Dubai World Trade Centre during major events from 10 minutes to just 2 minutes.
Enhancements to Future Street
This bridge is part of a broader project aimed at upgrading Future Street, which extends from its junction with Zabeel Palace Street to the Financial Centre Street, at a cost of AED 633 million. The project includes the construction of bridges and tunnels spanning 2,000 metres, and it will increase the number of lanes from three to four in each direction. This upgrade is expected to boost the road’s capacity by 33%, raising its ability to handle traffic from 6,600 vehicles per hour to 8,800 vehicles per hour in both directions, thus cutting travel time from 13 minutes to 6 minutes.
Strategic Development Plans
Matar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at RTA, stated, “This project is part of an integrated programme that includes the development of the Trade Centre Roundabout, which is progressing rapidly with over 85% of works completed, including the opening of several bridges.”
Furthermore, the RTA plans to open another bridge later this month to support traffic from Sheikh Rashid Road towards 2nd of December Street, followed by the final bridge in October that will facilitate movement from the Council Road to 2nd of December Street.
Supporting Economic Growth and Accessibility
The Future Street development project is strategically significant, located at the heart of a bustling area that includes the Dubai World Trade Centre and the Dubai International Financial Centre. It aims to enhance connectivity between the city centre and Business Bay, improving access to financial and business centres, thus supporting investment, trade, and tourism efforts. It is also designed to prepare the area for economic growth and major global events, bolstering Dubai’s status as a competitive and attractive global business hub.
Notably, construction is proceeding ahead of schedule, with more than 50% of the Future Street upgrade completed. The RTA plans to open three tunnels measuring 1,500 metres at the Future Street and Trade Centre intersection by February 2027.
Connecting Key Areas
This project serves various commercial, residential, and developmental areas, most notably the Dubai World Trade Centre, which has been the largest venue for international exhibitions and events for over 40 years.