New Bridge Eases Dubai-Sharjah Commutes

New Bridge Eases Traffic and Cuts Costs Between Dubai and Sharjah

For commuters traveling daily between Dubai and Sharjah, the latest transportation development has been a real relief: the opening of a new bridge in the Al Shindagha area. The bridge connects Al Khaleej Street with Khalid bin Al Waleed Road, providing a direct route to Dubai Frame and Al Khail Road. While the distance traveled hasn't changed, the significant reduction in congestion has measurably decreased daily travel time and cost.

New Route, New Opportunities

Located just after the Infinity Bridge, heading towards Sheikh Zayed Road, this new bridge has quickly become a popular choice for those commuting towards Dubai's business districts during peak hours. With reduced traffic jams, drivers can save not only time but also fuel and toll fees.

This route is particularly advantageous during the morning hours, making it much smoother to travel from Sharjah to Dubai city center. Instead of battling the usual clogged roads of Ittihad Road and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, this new alternative offers seamless passage - especially for those entering Dubai at the Al Mamzar Salik gate, passing through Corniche Street, crossing the Infinity Bridge, and reaching Al Khail Road via the new bridge.

Major Savings on Salik Tolls

The new bridge is not only faster but also a more economical solution. Those who previously had to pass through multiple Salik gates to avoid jams can now save 18-20 dirhams daily. Over a year, this can be a significant amount for commuters, especially considering the reduced fuel costs alongside the toll savings, as less idle time means less wasted fuel.

Great in the Morning, Not So Much in the Evening

It's important to note that the positive experiences primarily apply to morning hours. In the afternoon, particularly during rush hour traffic returning home, the situation isn't as ideal. Significant traffic jams develop around the Infinity Bridge, especially near the Waterfront Market and Al Mamzar exit. The traffic dynamics practically reverse: what starts narrow and broadens in the morning, becomes wide and then converges into narrower bottlenecks by evening.

Many see the new route as ideal for morning commutes, but it doesn't yet provide a complete solution for evening traffic, though the completion of unfinished sections of Corniche Street is expected to improve the situation.

Significant Benefits for Downtown Residents

The development benefits not only commuters but also residents living in downtown Dubai. Those living in areas like the New Gold Souk Extension can save considerable time each day. Thanks to the new bridge, what was once a 40-minute morning journey can now be reduced to 15-20 minutes, depending on Salik use. In addition to quicker access, evenings have also become easier, with a direct exit from Infinity Bridge leading to parking areas, avoiding traffic jams.

Residents Already Sensing the Change

Almost immediately following the new bridge's opening, people noticed its positive impact: shorter travel times, less congestion, fewer Salik fees, and reduced fuel costs. Commuters between Dubai and Sharjah agree that this development is a genuine turning point for daily travel.

Many hope for more similar infrastructure developments in the future that can further ease traffic between the two emirates - especially during peak stretches like Ittihad Road, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, or Airport Tunnel Road.

Summary

The new bridge clearly represents progress in the transportation landscape between Dubai and Sharjah. Morning commuting has been significantly shortened, toll fees are reduced, and drivers are saving on fuel. While afternoon traffic remains challenging, the new route is gaining popularity, and future developments could make it even more attractive. The new bridge is not just a transportation tool; it is a real daily convenience for those traveling to work or home between Dubai and Sharjah.

(The article source is the official statement by Roads and Transport Authority's (RTA).)