The opening of the first phase of a major Sharjah road network development project on Wednesday, November 4, is expected to improve traffic flow between Dubai and Sharjah and reduce congestion along the route.

The phase was inaugurated by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, and includes the opening of part of Al Taawun Intersection, along with several other bridges and junctions.

Coinciding with the opening of the Sharjah International Book Fair, a one-way route from Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road to Expo Centre Sharjah has also opened to provide easier access for visitors.

Salah bin Butti Al Muhairi, Chairman of the Sharjah Initiatives Implementation Authority (Mubadara), said the opening of some of the routes would help ease access for book fair visitors, while work on the remaining sections of the project continues.

Details of the project’s second phase

In the second phase, the grade-separated section of Al Taawun Roundabout and Al Taawun Tunnel will open fully. Construction of bridges and junctions along three industrial streets will also be completed.

This phase will also include upgrades to Al Khulafa Al Rashideen Intersection and the construction of a bridge linking it to Jamal Abdul Nasser Street.

Once the project is fully operational, it will increase the road network’s capacity and provide more links between Sharjah’s residential, commercial and industrial areas and the main roads leading to Dubai.

Five key sections of Sharjah’s road development project

The project comprises five main sections involving the construction of new tunnels, bridges and junctions, as well as road widening works.

1. Al Taawun Tunnel and Roundabout: Construction of a 560-metre tunnel with three lanes in each direction on the route linking Sharjah and Dubai. It is expected to handle about 4,200 vehicles per hour during peak periods.

2. Al Khulafa Al Rashideen Intersection: Construction of two underpasses to add two lanes in each direction, along with a 315-metre bridge linking the intersection to Jamal Abdul Nasser Street. The upgrades will add capacity for about 2,600 vehicles per hour.

3. First and Second Industrial Streets: Upgrading junctions and building two new bridges to link Damascus Street in Dubai with Wasit Street in Sharjah, with an expected capacity of about 2,800 vehicles per hour.

4. Third Industrial Street: Construction of new bridges and an underpass linking Ring Road, Al Khan Street and the industrial areas, while providing a direct route to Sharjah city centre. The route will add capacity for 5,200 vehicles per hour to the road network.

5. Ring Road widening: Adding two lanes towards Sharjah city centre and one lane towards Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, along with a three-lane turning route from the highway towards Ring Road.

More than 9 kilometres of Sharjah’s road network to be upgraded

The project covers about 9.18 kilometres of roads across Sharjah, with paved sections spanning 207,265 square metres.

The work also includes upgrades to service roads, parking areas, and entry and exit routes to improve access to commercial centres and surrounding neighbourhoods.

Yousif Khamis Al Othmani, Chairman of the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority, said the project forms part of efforts to develop the emirate’s road infrastructure in line with urban growth and residents’ needs.

He said the projects were significant because of their expected impact on the daily lives of residents and families, improving mobility, connectivity and the efficiency of Sharjah’s road network.

Once all phases are completed, the project is expected to increase vehicle capacity, reduce traffic congestion and improve road links between different areas of Sharjah and routes leading to Dubai.