Travel & Tourism

Sharjah Launches Dh750 Million Road Network Featuring Five Bridges and Tunnel to Ease Dubai Commutes

Sharjah is moving forward with a major Dh750 million road infrastructure programme designed to significantly improve connectivity with Dubai and reduce congestion along some of the UAE’s busiest commuter corridors.

The ambitious development, directed by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, will introduce a new network of tunnels, bridges, and free-flow intersections aimed at enhancing traffic flow and reducing travel times between the two emirates.

The project is being implemented by Mubadara (Authority for Initiatives Implementation) in collaboration with the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA), with support from Sharjah Police, Sharjah City Municipality, and Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA).

Authorities have indicated that a soft opening of key components is targeted for November 2026.

Al Taawun Tunnel to Become Project Centrepiece

At the heart of the development is the construction of a 500-metre tunnel beneath Al Taawun Roundabout. The tunnel will feature three lanes in each direction and provide a direct connection between Al Taawun Street, Al Nahda Bridge, and Dubai.

The tunnel will be supported by a new signalised intersection capable of accommodating approximately 4,200 vehicles per hour in each direction during peak periods, creating an uninterrupted traffic corridor and reducing pressure on existing surface-level junctions.

The project required the temporary removal of the iconic Al Taawun Roundabout monument. Authorities confirmed that the landmark will be redesigned and reinstated at its original location once construction is completed.

In addition to easing congestion, the tunnel will improve access to Expo Centre Sharjah and form part of a future transport corridor connected to Al Noor Road.

Al Noor Road to Provide Alternative Access to Dubai

As part of the wider network, Sharjah is developing Al Noor Road, a new corridor extending from Al Orooba Street towards Dubai through Al Nahda Bridge.

Scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, the road will provide motorists with an additional route between residential communities and commercial districts in Sharjah and neighbouring areas of Dubai.

Major Upgrade for Al Khulafa Al Rashideen Intersection

A significant upgrade is also underway at the Al Khulafa Al Rashideen intersection to improve traffic movement towards Dubai.

The project includes the construction of box culverts beneath the existing bridge and the addition of two extra lanes in each direction across a 37-metre section. The improvements are expected to increase traffic capacity by approximately 2,600 vehicles per hour in both directions.

Additional works include a 315-metre slip bridge providing direct access to Gamal Abdel Nasser Street and a new free-flow entry point connecting Al Ittihad Road with Al Khan Street.

New Bridges on Industrial Streets

To improve connectivity for traffic entering Sharjah from Dubai, two new bridges are being constructed over Industrial Streets 1 and 2.

Each bridge will span approximately 130 metres and include two traffic lanes in each direction, supported by approach ramps extending around 200 metres on either side.

The bridges will provide uninterrupted access towards Maleha Road, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Road, and Al Waset Road and are expected to handle around 2,800 vehicles per hour in each direction during peak periods.

Industrial Street 3 and Ring Road Enhancements

Another phase of the programme focuses on strengthening connectivity between Sharjah’s industrial districts and the Ring Road through improvements to Industrial Street 3.

The project includes the construction of two additional bridges, dedicated turning lanes towards Maleha Road, Sheikh Khalifa Road, and Al Dhaid Road, as well as a culvert linking Industrial Street 3 with the Ring Road.

Stretching approximately 2.7 kilometres, this section is expected to accommodate around 5,200 vehicles per hour in both directions.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road Interchange Upgrade

The final component of the project involves upgrading the existing interchange on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road.

The enhancement aims to improve traffic efficiency and provide quicker access between the highway and major districts including Al Taawun, Al Khan, and Al Buhaira. Authorities expect the improvements to help reduce congestion on Al Ittihad Road and other heavily used intersections across the emirate.

Benefits for Residents and Commuters

Once completed, the integrated road network is expected to deliver significant improvements for daily commuters travelling between Sharjah and Dubai.

The new tunnel, five bridges, and multiple free-flow intersections will reduce travel times, minimise traffic stops, and improve access to key destinations including Expo Centre Sharjah, the Sharjah International Book Fair, and the Sheikh Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi Mosque in Al Mamzar.

Officials said the initiative is not only intended to address traffic congestion but also to strengthen regional connectivity and support Sharjah’s long-term urban development objectives.

To facilitate ongoing construction, SRTA has implemented temporary traffic diversions, including a partial closure of Al Taawun Street. Motorists travelling towards Dubai and Al Nahda Bridge are currently being redirected through Al Corniche Street, while vehicles arriving from Al Nahda Bridge are being diverted via the newly developed section of Al Taawun Street.