Surprise! Part of Dubai's Shaikh Zayed Road flyover opens

Vehicles heading to Bur Dubai and Sharjah can get on the bridge near the second interchange on Shaikh Zayed Road, Dubai. - Photo by Dhes Handumon

Dubai - The new flyover is part of the Dubai Canal project, which will eventually be a 16-lane bridge in both directions.

By Staff Reporter

Published: Thu 7 Jan 2016, 11:00 PM

Last updated: Fri 8 Jan 2016, 10:01 PM

Motorists heading to Bur Dubai and Sharjah were in for a pleasant surprise after seeing a part of the new Shaikh Zayed Road (SZR) flyover open to traffic.
The new flyover is part of the Dubai Canal project, which will eventually be a 16-lane bridge in both directions. The bridge was opened by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) without any prior announcement.
Vehicles heading northbound towards the Dubai World Trade Centre can now get on the new flyover on their commute to Bur Dubai and Sharjah near the second interchange.
Commuters heaved a sigh of relief as they had been facing long traffic tailbacks on the SZR for the past few months. However, due to the confusion about the opening, there were reports about slowdowns.
Many residents took to social media, lauding the RTA for opening the bridge. "Well done @RTA_Dubai opening the SZR canal bridge. Now, how do we stop people (from) slowing down to take photos and text their mates?" wrote one.
Phase II of the project includes the construction across three lanes on Jumeirah Beach Road and two lanes on Al Wasl Road in each direction, while phase III will see the construction of three pedestrian bridges to link Jumeirah Beach Walk with Al Safa Park Walk.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com