Sharjah Accelerates Dh750 Million Road Overhaul to Enhance Direct Access to Dubai by November 2026
Sharjah is advancing one of its most significant transport initiatives, a Dh750 million project aimed at constructing and upgrading road corridors that will directly connect the emirate to Dubai. The initial phase of this ambitious undertaking is scheduled for a soft opening in November 2026.
The project has been commissioned by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance the emirate’s road infrastructure and improve traffic flow across its various districts.
The execution of this project is being led by Mubadara, the Authority for Initiatives Implementation, in collaboration with the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA). They are working alongside several key entities, including the Sharjah Department of Town Planning and Survey, Sharjah Police General Command, Sharjah City Municipality, the Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA), e& (Etisalat), and du.
Comprehensive Road Network Enhancements
The project focuses on two primary axes: the comprehensive upgrade of the Al Taawun corridor extending to Al Nahda Bridge and into Dubai, and the development of Al Khan Street leading to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road. These enhancements aim to connect the historic heart of the city—the Lakes and Al Taawun districts—with the newer urban corridor along Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, while also reinforcing six crossing points in Dubai.
The scheme is structured into five components that are being developed concurrently. The use of precast concrete techniques is among the methods being employed to ensure adherence to the timeline. Traffic diversions, coordinated with Sharjah Police, have already been implemented and will integrate into the broader road improvement efforts.
Al Taawun Tunnel: A Key Infrastructure Element
A central feature of the project is a 500-meter tunnel located beneath Al Taawun Roundabout. This tunnel will facilitate three lanes in each direction from Al Taawun Street towards Al Nahda Bridge and Dubai. A newly designed signalized junction will accommodate approximately 4,200 vehicles per direction during peak hours.
In addition to its traffic management role, the tunnel is intended to provide motorists with a direct, uninterrupted route to Expo Centre Sharjah. It is envisioned as the first segment of a larger network that will eventually connect with Noor Road, an extension of Al Orooba Street leading to the late Sheikh Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi Mosque and the Heart of Sharjah.
Upgrades at Al Khulafa-Al Rashideen Intersection
The second component of the project involves enhancements at the Al Khulafa-Al Rashideen Intersection. This includes the addition of box culverts beneath the existing bridge and two extra lanes in each direction, covering a 37-meter stretch per direction. This design aims to maintain smooth traffic flow for vehicles traveling to and from Dubai without mixing.
A 315-meter slip bridge will provide a rapid, direct link to Gamal Abdel Nasser Street, while a new free-flow entry from Al Ittihad Road to Al Khan Street has also been introduced. Careful consideration has been given to ensure that shopfront visibility remains unobstructed. The upgrade is projected to increase capacity for approximately 2,600 vehicles per hour in both directions.
New Bridges to Enhance Industrial Connectivity
Two new 130-meter bridges are being constructed across Industrial Street 1 and Industrial Street 2, each featuring two lanes per direction and supported by approach ramps totaling around 200 meters on both sides. These free-flow turns will facilitate traffic movement from Dubai towards Maleha Road, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Road, and Al Waset Road. The anticipated peak-hour capacity for these bridges is around 2,800 vehicles per direction.
Additionally, new bridges at Industrial Street 3 will connect industrial areas with the Ring Road and link Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road back through Al Khan Street to Al Ittihad Road. This component includes two new bridges and turning lanes towards Maleha Road, Sheikh Khalifa Road, and Al Dhaid Road, with a combined route length of approximately 2.7 kilometers. A culvert will connect Industrial Street 3 to the Ring Road, with total capacity across both directions expected to reach around 5,200 vehicles per hour.
Highway Enhancements for Improved Access
The fifth component of the project focuses on upgrading the existing interchange on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road to enhance overall efficiency and provide quicker access between the highway and the Al Taawun, Al Khan, and Al Buhaira areas. This upgrade aims to alleviate pressure on Al Ittihad Road and key junctions.
Upon completion, the network will consist of five bridges, one main tunnel, and a series of free-flow intersections, directly connecting Al Taawun, Al Khan, and Al Buhaira to both local roads and federal highways. Daily commuters between Sharjah and Dubai, particularly those traversing the densely populated Al Majaz and Al Nahda districts, can anticipate fewer stops and shorter travel times.
This infrastructure development will also benefit visitors to the Expo Centre Sharjah and the Sharjah International Book Fair, while improving access to the late Sheikh Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi Mosque in the Mamzar area. The overall road network is designed to accommodate the emirate’s ongoing population and urban growth.
Source: www.emirates247.com
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Published on 2026-06-17 21:42:00 • By the Editorial Desk
