Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police General Headquarters have jointly announced revisions to the schedule for truck movements along Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road.
Effective April 28, adjustments will be implemented for a specific stretch of the road spanning from Ras Al Khor Road to Sharjah in both directions, particularly during peak traffic hours.
Under the new arrangement, truck movement will be restricted during morning rush hours from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., as well as during two periods in the afternoon: from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This decision was made following comprehensive studies conducted in collaboration with Dubai Police General Headquarters, indicating a pressing need for such changes to optimize traffic flow.
According to Hussein Al Banna, CEO of Traffic and Roads Agency at RTA, these adjustments aim to alleviate traffic congestion on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road by up to 15% during peak periods. The strategic reallocation of truck movements across alternative routes is expected to contribute to a smoother traffic flow.
The process of modifying truck movement timings involves rigorous engineering and technical studies that consider various factors such as vehicle density, incident rates, urban development along the road, and the capacity of alternate routes. RTA, in coordination with Dubai Police and relevant stakeholders, will undertake extensive efforts to communicate the revised schedules to truck drivers, owners, and operators. This will include the installation of informative signage at the entry and exit points of restricted zones.
Al Banna emphasized the importance of compliance with the new regulations by truck drivers and transport companies. They are encouraged to utilize alternative routes, such as Emirates Road, during restricted hours or avail themselves of the designated truck rest areas scattered across Dubai's streets.
Furthermore, RTA has initiated a plan to develop truck rest areas in collaboration with the private sector since mid-2023. This plan entails the construction and enhancement of 19 rest stops along key roads in Dubai, covering over 300,000 square meters and accommodating approximately 1,000 trucks and heavy vehicles. The first phase, comprising 15 rest areas, is slated to commence operations in August 2024, with ongoing development works scheduled until the completion of all areas by the end of 2025.
