Ras Al Khaimah's Road Renovation Revolution

Ras Al Khaimah begins a major infrastructure upgrade in the coming months, aiming not just to enhance traffic flow but also to support the economic and social development of the emirate in the long run. The project, which starts at the intersection of Sheikh Mohammed bin Salem Road (E11) and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road (E311), will commence on September 1 and will be implemented in several phases.

The primary goal of the comprehensive road renovation is to alleviate traffic congestion and improve the mobility of residents in the Ras Al Khaimah area. As part of the project, the current two-lane road will be expanded to four lanes in both directions, providing a significant increase in capacity for urban and suburban transportation. In addition, a separate service road will be constructed to cater to local traffic—crucial for accessibility to residential and commercial centers.

The road development goes beyond mere pavement widening. The project will also include a complete utility network upgrade, covering the modernization of electric lines, telecommunications networks, irrigation systems, and rainwater drainage channels. In parallel, modern, energy-efficient LED street lighting will be installed on the newly developed sections to enhance traffic safety even at night.

At the beginning of the first phase on September 1, the E11 road section at the Al Hamra roundabout will be closed. Traffic will be diverted to alternative routes to ensure seamless transportation during construction. To support this, a 2-kilometer temporary road will also be built, assisting drivers during peak travel periods.

It is important to note that traffic diversions and alternative routes will be pre-signaled, allowing drivers to adapt easily to changes. The Ras Al Khaimah Department of Public Services encourages residents to plan their journeys in advance and pay attention to new traffic signals and informational signs.

The second phase of the project includes even larger-scale interventions. The aim is not only to further increase road width but also to modernize key junctions that have been frequent bottlenecks in the past.

Significant transformations will be carried out at four major locations:

Dolphin Junction (S4): A new bridge will be built to optimize traffic distribution

E11–E311 Junction (D1): One of the busiest intersections will receive a new underpass and connecting bridge

Red Tunnel (S3): The existing tunnel will undergo capacity enhancement and modernization

Mina Al Arab Tunnel (F1/F2): A new crossing will be established to better connect coastal areas to the emirate's main traffic network

In the second phase, traffic diversions will be further expanded, and additional lanes will be opened on temporary routes to reduce congestion.

Transportation infrastructure development directly impacts economic growth. Faster and safer travel enables the growth of tourism and commerce while making the emirate more attractive to investors and businesses. The new infrastructure is particularly important for industrial parks and commercial zones in the Ras Al Khaimah area, which often involve significant freight transport requiring a stable road network.

Additionally, the daily lives of residents will also benefit positively. With reduced congestion during crowded morning and afternoon rush hours, commuting to work, schools, and services will become easier.

The project not only addresses transportation needs but also aligns with sustainability goals. The installation of energy-saving lighting systems, improved rainwater drainage, and the application of green infrastructure all aim to maintain a future-sustainable traffic network in the emirate.

By developing service roads, local traffic can be separated from the main traffic flows, thereby reducing environmental noise and air pollution, particularly near residential areas.

From September 1, Ras Al Khaimah is launching a landmark road renovation project that could be a milestone in the emirate's transportation future. The widening of the E11 main road, the construction of new bridges and tunnels, and the establishment of a modern utility network all indicate that infrastructure development not only addresses present challenges but also provides answers to the challenges of the future.

Residents should prepare for changes in traffic, yet in the long term, everyone can benefit from a more efficient, safer, and more sustainable road system serving the daily lives of Ras Al Khaimah's residents and visitors.

(The source of the article is a statement from the Ras Al Khaimah Department of Public Services.)