Canal Update: Dubai-bound SZR diversion open

Diversion on the stretch of Sheikh Zayed Road that passes Business Bay in the northern direction opened on Friday, said Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

The diversion temporarily shifts 6 lanes of traffic on a half-kilometer stretch from its original location to a diversion road, which runs right beside the diversion road in the direction of Abu Dhabi.

The construction results in a slight bend to the left, just after Meydan Road bridge, and returns to its original location immediately after Business Bay Metro station.

Temporary exits to Business Bay area have been provided, as well as entry from the same area onto Sheikh Zayed Road adjacent to Business Bay Metro station.

The exit to Business Bay area can be taken by following the sign board reading Al Khaleej Al Tejari 1 St. Two lanes lead to this exit, but only one lane eventually heads into the community, while another lane leads back to Sheikh Zayed Road.

The diversion runs half-a-kilometer stretch  [All pictures by Majorie van Leijen]

However, for those who missed the entry into Business Bay area, there is a second exit just a few meters after the first exit.

The entry from Business Bay area onto Sheikh Zayed Road takes place between these two exits, with traffic merging onto the one-lane service lane passing Business Bay Metro station. The traffic coming from the right might not be expected, so those heading straight are advised to pay attention as they try to get back on Sheikh Zayed Road.



Traffic coming from Meydan Road are automatically led onto the diversion road, but are required to jump two lanes to the left in order to avoid being led onto the temporary exit road.

On Sunday morning, traffic on the diversion seemed to experience little delay, as the slight bend only urges motorists to slow down a little, able to resume normal speed once the road head straight again.

Traffic heading towards the temporary exit was jammed, however. The exit towards the popular area always forming a bottleneck, motorists might face delay with changes made on their route.

During the weekend, delays were more prominent as the exit road towards Business Bay area was not yet opened. On Saturday evening, entering the Downtown area was a nightmare, recalls Rayna Mahra, an Indian resident in Dubai.

“I usually take the Business Bay exit to reach Dubai Downtown, but this was closed. I then took the second exit, which normally includes the Emaar Square exit. But this exit was closed as well. I was bound to take Dubai Mall bridge and forced into the parking area, as even the cut-through road at The Address was barred for those who did not visit the hotel. It took me an hour to reach my destination, while takes about ten minutes.”

The road diversion on Sheikh Zayed Road is to allow for the construction of an elevated bridge that will cross Dubai Canal, which is to be completed in September 2016, according to the RTA.

The authority maintains that the diversion design ensures smooth flow of traffic, while the temporary roads conform the specifications of permanent roads equipped with adequate lighting and maximum speed to achieve safety for its users.
 

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