Dubai continues to expand its road infrastructure, addressing the challenges of a rapidly growing population and increasing vehicular traffic. On Sunday, November 24, 2024, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Salik PJSC will officially open two new toll gates. These gates are located at Business Bay Crossing on Al Khail Road and Al Safa South on Sheikh Zayed Road, bringing the total number of toll gates in Dubai to ten.
Why These Locations Were Chosen
The new Salik gates have been strategically positioned to improve traffic flow in critical areas.
- Business Bay Salik Gate: Situated on Al Khail Road, this gate will help streamline traffic in the bustling Business Bay area, which is one of Dubai’s key commercial and residential hubs.
- Al Safa South Salik Gate: Located between Al Meydan Street and Umm Al Sheif Street on Sheikh Zayed Road, this gate is expected to handle increased vehicular movement efficiently, reducing congestion in this busy corridor.
What Does It Mean for Motorists?
Motorists will now have to plan their journeys more carefully, particularly when navigating these routes during peak hours. Each crossing will incur the standard Salik toll fee of AED 4, consistent with the other toll gates across Dubai. With the addition of these gates, Salik aims to encourage motorists to explore alternative routes, distribute traffic more evenly, and reduce bottlenecks.
Moreover, the new gates are expected to generate 7-8% more revenue-generating trips in 2024 compared to the previous forecast of 4-6%. This increase reflects the effectiveness of Dubai’s infrastructure in addressing its growing urbanization challenges.
Economic Significance of the New Gates
These two gates come with a combined valuation of AED 2.734 billion, underscoring the scale of investment in Dubai’s transport infrastructure:
- The Business Bay Gate is valued at AED 2.265 billion.
- The Al Safa South Gate is valued at AED 469 million.
This valuation represents not just the cost of building the gates but also the long-term benefits they bring to traffic management, efficiency, and economic growth.
These gates will help achieve Dubai’s vision of sustainable mobility by reducing travel times, enhancing the commuter experience, and supporting urban development goals.
Salik’s Commitment to Seamless Travel
Salik PJSC operates under a concession agreement with the RTA, which ensures exclusive rights to maintain and operate the toll gates until 2071. This agreement reflects a collaborative effort to make Dubai’s roads more efficient and commuter-friendly.
Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of Salik, remarked:
“The launch of these new gates is a testament to our commitment to sustainable growth. By enhancing traffic flow in key areas, we aim to improve travel efficiency while reducing congestion on some of the busiest routes in Dubai.”
How Motorists Can Prepare
With the introduction of these gates, motorists are advised to:
- Plan routes carefully: Check for alternative roads to avoid peak-hour traffic at these gates.
- Update Salik accounts: Ensure that your Salik balance is sufficient for uninterrupted travel.
- Be aware of traffic updates: Use navigation apps to receive real-time updates on traffic flow and delays.
These simple steps can help motorists adapt to the updated toll system and minimize travel disruptions.
What’s Next for Dubai’s Road Network?
The new Salik gates are part of Dubai’s strategy to develop a world-class road and transport system. Future investments in public transport, smart traffic solutions, and urban planning are expected.
By reducing congestion and ensuring smoother commutes, these gates will play a critical role in keeping Dubai’s residents and visitors on the move.
Key Takeaways
- Effective Date: November 24, 2024
- Locations:
- Business Bay Crossing (Al Khail Road)
- Al Safa South (Sheikh Zayed Road)
- Standard Toll Fee: AED 4 per crossing
- Combined Valuation: AED 2.734 billion
Motorists can look forward to a more organized traffic system, with a renewed focus on travel efficiency and urban sustainability.
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