Sharjah has partially reopened the Al Taawun Interchange as part of a Dh750 million road programme to ease Dubai-bound traffic. The first phase also opens several new bridges and junctions, and it coincides with the Sharjah International Book Fair.
Drivers travelling between Sharjah and Dubai are set for smoother journeys. Sharjah Ruler Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi has inaugurated the first phase of a major road development programme. This phase partially opens the Al Taawun Interchange along with “several bridges and junctions”.
The launch coincides with the start of the Sharjah International Book Fair. A one-way route from Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road towards Expo Centre Sharjah is now operational, which should make access easier for visitors heading to the event.
Inside the Five-Part Development Plan
The wider project is built around five main sections. Together they cover new tunnels, bridges, interchanges and road widening.
A Network Spanning Over 9 Kilometres
In total, the programme covers about 9.18 kilometres of roads and a paved area of 207,265 square metres.
The works also include upgrades to service roads, parking areas, entrances and exits. These are meant to improve access to commercial establishments and surrounding neighbourhoods, so that the benefits reach local businesses and residents as well as through traffic.
Authority Says Focus Is on People
Yousef Khamis Al Othmani, Chairman of the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA), said the project reflects the emirate’s efforts to develop its road network in line with urban growth and residents’ needs.
“The value of these projects lies in their anticipated impact on people, families and their daily journeys, as well as the connectivity and efficiency they add to the road network,” he said.
Why Al Taawun Matters So Much
Al Taawun is one of the busiest routes between the two emirates. According to Gulf News, the surrounding areas of Al Taawun, Al Nahda and Al Khan are among Sharjah’s most densely populated neighbourhoods, and they generate heavy traffic throughout the day. The National has reported that the stretch from Al Nahda Bridge to the roundabout is notorious for long queues.
Gulf News reports that the programme carries a price tag of Dh750 million. It is intended to strengthen six key crossings into Dubai and to link Sharjah’s older residential districts with newer communities along Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road. Authorities are using precast concrete construction techniques to speed up delivery. Gulf News also reports that the Al Taawun tunnel is expected to cut waiting times for motorists by as much as 85 per cent.
Building Up to the Opening
Today’s opening follows months of preparation. The SRTA began a temporary partial closure of Al Taawun Street on 13 June, with diversions coordinated with Sharjah Police. Under those arrangements, vehicles heading to Dubai and Al Nahda Bridge were redirected via Al Corniche Street. Traffic coming from Al Nahda Bridge towards Sharjah was directed onto the newly developed Al Taawun Street.
What Comes Next
This is only the first phase. Construction on the wider Al Taawun Tunnel project is continuing, and the remaining sections will open in stages. Motorists should expect further adjustments as work continues, and they are advised to follow SRTA announcements and road signage.
For the thousands of residents who cross between Sharjah and Dubai every day, the partial reopening is a first sign of relief on one of the region’s most congested corridors.
Sources: Khaleej Times
