New Al Qudra road works to 'improve Expo traffic flow' and serve cyclists

Various improvements are under way to ensure taxis and cars do not have to drive through central Dubai to reach the exhibition site

The city's transport authority is improving the traffic network in Al Qudra to prevent the need for cars to travel through central Dubai. Courtesy: RTA / Dubai Media Office

Construction work to significantly improve the roads network around the Expo 2020 site is set to be completed by the end of the year, the emirate’s transport authority said.

Mattar Al Tayer, director-general of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, said 65 per cent of the Al Qudra-Lehbab Roads intersection project is finished.

“Lehbab Road is a key traffic corridor offering an alternative link to Expo Road, Jafza and Abu Dhabi-bound traffic and vice versa without going through downtown areas,” Mr Al Tayer said.

Millions of visitors are forecast to visit the Expo site over six months in 2020 and 2021.

Upgrading existing roads and building new ones to accommodate the increased traffic is an important part of the project.

Part of the work involved funnelling intersecting roads into a flyover, enabling free-flowing traffic in all directions.

Two bridges are being built along with ramps and loops for U-turns.

“The works also cover widening connecting streets, and a cycling bridge in addition to lighting works, rainwater drainage systems and utility lines,” he said.

Mr Al Tayer said the widening of Al Qudra Road had created a crucial passageway starting from Jumeirah to Umm Suqeim Street, which was also improved with the construction of two bridges of three lanes in each direction.

The interchange is one of 10 projects to improve the Lehbab and Expo roads over a 55-kilometre stretch, from Lehbab Police Station to Sheikh Zayed Road.

Al Qudra and the lakes area is one of the most popular areas of the emirate for cycling and camping.