Dubai's Emirates Road Resumes Full Operations

Dubai's Emirates Road Fully Reopens After Renovation

Dubai's Emirates Road, one of the city's busiest transport routes, will be back to full capacity for drivers starting August 25, following the completion of extensive two-month renovation works. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) rebuilt and resurfaced a 14-kilometer section, performing the work in phases to avoid a complete traffic shutdown.

Why Was Renovation Needed?

The decision was based on a decrease in the Pavement Quality Index (PQI), which dropped to 85% in some sections, mainly due to heavy vehicle traffic. RTA's goal is to maintain a road network with at least a 90% PQI value. In the fast lanes, the paving was cut to a depth of 14 centimeters and rebuilt with five to six new asphalt layers. In the slow lanes, where the load is less, renovations involved an eight-centimeter depth for breaking up and fewer layers of resurfacing.

Modern Technology in Condition Assessment

Two special monitoring vehicles aided the renovation. One identified 14 different pavement defects, such as cracks and potholes, using high-resolution cameras and lasers. The other measured the International Roughness Index (IRI), which indicates surface smoothness. This technology accurately determined which sections required preventive maintenance and where full reconstruction was needed.

Phased Construction to Maintain Traffic Flow

The 14-kilometer road section was renovated in multiple phases, closing only one side at a time. This approach reduced traffic disruptions, but drivers still experienced significant delays, with journey times increasing by 30 to 45 minutes daily. The scheduling of the work ensured continuous traffic flow.

Expected Benefits in the Future

The renewed road surface will be smoother, safer, and more durable. According to the RTA, the improved surface will reduce vehicle vibrations, lower fuel consumption, and ensure longer vehicle part lifespans. After the opening on August 25, the lanes leading to both Sharjah and Abu Dhabi will be fully open again, restoring normal traffic patterns and significantly reducing daily commuting times.

(Source of the article: Roads and Transport Authority statement.)