So, what are the roadworks near Al Manara on Sheikh Zayed Road actually going to achieve?

Anyone who drives down Sheikh Zayed Road often will have noticed that the roadworks near the Al Manara and Umm Al Sheif exits are really coming along.

In fact, there is now a bridge under construction that floats on top of the southbound lane of Sheikh Zayed just before the Al Manara exit. Sheikh Zayed Road is no stranger to overpasses and spaghetti junctions, but it’s still kind of surreal to drive under the being-built-road, so what is it? And where will it lead to?

Well, the bridge, which you will see as you drive between the Umm Al Sheif and Al Manara intersections on Sheikh Zayed Road near Jumeirah 3 and Al Quoz is all part of  a huge traffic plan that will connect Al Wasl Road directly Al Khail Road, bypassing the majority of Al Quoz and easing traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road particularly. 

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So yes, that’s why some of the lanes on Sheikh Zayed Road have been blocked recently, and why some side streets along Sheikh Zayed road have changed/closed (but we think it will be worth it).

Here’s a video that explains a bit more about the project, and where it will improve traffic flow.

Basically, a flyover will be built that goes over Sheikh Zayed Road, and ends at Latifa Bint Hamdan Street in Al Quoz, directly connecting this part of Jumeirah and Dubai with Al Khail Road and then the inner parts of the city. 

Here’s a map showing the area, and we’ve put a big red line to show you how Al Khail and Al Wasl will be connected and through which areas. Note: the line isn’t an accurate reflection of the new overpass road, which will be a bit bendy, but it does generally show you the new connections it will create:

And no, don’t panic, despite headlines floating around this week suggesting that the speed limit of Sheikh Zayed Road had been cut down to 80 km/h, it’s actually the new speed limit on Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Road in Umm Al Quwain (and a 20 km/h grace window on the speed limit still applies). So you’re still fine at 105 km/h on Dubai’s main highway.

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Images: Getty