If you are a frequent driver in Sharjah, especially between Sharjah and Dubai, you must have observed that traffic is heavier in the area of Al Taawun. The construction of the Al Taawun Tunnel has caused temporary road closures and diversions, impacting one of the UAE’s busiest commuting roads.
The construction has increased travelling time but it is a huge investment in Sharjah’s transport infrastructure. It will open when completed, and is expected to ease congestion, enhance traffic flow and make journeys safer and faster for thousands of motorists each day.
However, with careful planning you can avoid unnecessary delays until then. This guide gives you the reasons for the tunnel works, details about which areas will be impacted, the best alternative routes to take and tips on how to make the journey easier.
Why Are the Al Taawun Tunnel Works Taking Place?
The Al Taawun Tunnel project falls under Sharjah’s comprehensive road improvement initiative aimed at boosting the city’s transportation infrastructure and connectivity to Dubai. Al Taawun is one of the busiest traffic corridors in the emirate, and is congested during weekday peak hours.
The tunnel project aims to:
- Decrease traffic at Al Taawun Roundabout.
- Enhance connectivity between Sharjah and Dubai.
- Expand roadway capacity for continued development.
- Enhance road safety.
- Reduce commuters’ travel time.
The road is being closed temporarily as part of the construction, but there will be long-term benefits that it is hoped will be greater than the short-term inconvenience.
Project Timeline and Construction Updates
The construction of the Al Taawun Tunnel is in multiple stages. The method is phased, so the engineers can work without interrupting traffic.
For each stage motorists might find themselves in a situation where they:
- Temporary lane closures.
- Road diversions.
- Changes to traffic signals.
- Altered access and exit routes.
- Lower speed limits in areas of construction.
Working arrangements can change as the work continues, so please check official announcements before travelling by car.
Which Areas Are Most Affected?
The construction is mainly affecting:
- Al Taawun Roundabout
- Al Taawun Street
- Roads leading to Al Nahda
- Route that goes towards Dubai
- Local resident access roads
Sharjah to Dubai is likely to be the longest time consumers spend traveling between the two cities, particularly during the peak commuting hours on weekdays.
Best Ways to Avoid Traffic Delays
Travel Outside Peak Hours
The busiest times for traffic are:
- 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM
- 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Schedules can be flexible if possible, and travel before or after these hours. Leaving 30 minutes earlier can make a huge difference in the amount of travel time.
Use Alternative Routes
Authorities have implemented a few detours to ease congestion in the construction area.
Use: Depending on where you are going, try:
- Al Corniche Street
- Al Ittihad Road
- Al Khan Road
- Other officially designated off-road courses
Temporary road signs are always in effect and may change during various stages of construction.
Check Live Traffic Before Leaving
Things can change rapidly when it comes to traffic.
To prepare for your trip:
- Open the maps app (Google maps or Waze).
- Check for accidents or road closures.
- Use approximate times for journeys.
- Choose the fastest route possible.
Real-time navigation apps will automatically reroute you around traffic.
Leave Earlier Than Usual
Delays in construction can be out of the builder’s control.
If traffic increases, having some extra time means you can leave up to 15-30 minutes before you actually need to.
Follow Official Diversion Signs
Road closures may be different from the way you typically travel to work.
Be sure to check:
- Temporary lane markings.
- Diversion signs.
- Construction barriers.
- Traffic police instructions.
Failure to follow these instructions may result in delays and a potential safety hazard.
Stay Updated on Traffic Announcements
Authorities in Sharjah, UAE, regularly update visitors on:
- New road closures.
- Diversion changes.
- Construction progress.
- Expected completion milestones.
The updates are useful to help you steer clear of new affected routes before traveling.
How the Tunnel Works Affect Daily Commuters
Al Taawun is one of the busiest roads in the UAE with 5,000 cars crossing it every weekday.
Commuter’s may experience during construction:
- Longer journey times.
- Increased congestion during rush hours.
- Late start-ups at Al Taawun roundabout.
- Modifications to access roads into the neighboring residences.
- Increased traffic along alternate routes on nearby streets.
These disruptions can be reduced by planning your vacation.
Public Transport Alternatives
When driving is not a daily requirement, public transport could be a solution to avoid congestion.
Options include:
- Intercity buses between Sharjah and Dubai.
- Ride-sharing services.
- Taxi service outside of peak hours.
Sometimes it is better to take the bus or train than to drive your car which can help to lower stress as the construction work goes on.
Best Navigation Apps for Drivers
Google Maps
Gives real-time traffic information, arrival times and auto-reroute.
Waze
Provides live data from other drivers of congestion, accidents, and roadworks.
Apple Maps
Great for iPhone users who have up-to-the-minute traffic and route updates.
Before every journey, check one of these apps to ensure that you get the quickest route possible.
Common Mistakes Drivers Should Avoid
Special attention is needed for construction areas.
Don’t make these mistakes:
- Ignoring diversion signs.
- Making sudden lane changes.
- Taking GPS directions that are out of date without verification.
- Exceeding speed limits in work zones.
- Blocking intersections.
- Tailgating other vehicles.
Remaining patient helps improve safety and traffic flow for everyone.
Safety Tips for Driving Through Construction Zones
Road construction is a time when motorists need to be extra cautious.
Remember to:
- Take care to drive at a reduced speed around construction sites.
- Keep an eye out for construction workers and machinery.
- Observe proper tailgating.
- Check traffic for changes when signaling for lane change.
- Follow temporary speed restrictions.
- Be aware of road reconfiguration.
Safe driving keeps the road worker and other motorists safe.
Benefits After the Project Is Completed
The finished tunnel will help make traffic smoother, and the results will be permanent.
Expected benefits include:
- Easy and quick connectivity between Sharjah and Dubai.
- Shortened delay at traffic signals.
- Improved traffic flow.
- Increased road capacity.
- Improved connections to local housing areas.
- Enhanced road safety.
- Decreased pressure on travel flows at peak times.
The project will be able to cater to the needs of the city of Sharjah’s rapidly increasing population and provide for better commuting for years to come.
Tips for Daily Commuters
These are some of the habits you can make to make your journey through Al Taawun every weekday easier and faster:
- Leave home earlier.
- Track real-time traffic in real-time daily.
- Don’t unnecessarily change lanes.
- Do not allow your car to go out of gas.
- Wherever possible, think about flexible working times.
- For all trips, use a navigation app.
Making minor changes will make a big difference throughout the building process.
Who Is Most Affected by the Tunnel Works?
The construction has different consequences for various groups of road users.
Daily Office Commuters
Delays are likely to be experienced by drivers between Sharjah & Dubai during the morning and evening hours on weekdays.
Families
If the parent is picking up and dropping off children at school, parents who travel to schools close to Al Taawun or Al Nahda may need to have extra time to arrive and depart from school during the school drop-off or pick-up period.
Delivery Drivers
It is important that courier and delivery drivers check traffic conditions in real time throughout the day as traffic may vary based on the phase of construction.
Taxi and Ride-Hailing Drivers
With navigation apps and real-time traffic data, professional truck drivers can shave off some of those minutes and find alternative routes to their destination.
Stay Updated Before Every Journey
The traffic congestion around the Al Taawun Tunnel is subject to change with the construction of the tunnel.
Before leaving:
- See real-time traffic updates.
- Review official announcements.
- Make a back-up plan.
- Give yourself more time to drive to and from the destination.
- If possible, do not travel during rush hour.
Making a little preparation can save lots of time on the road.
Expert Tips for a Smoother Journey
If you often pass through Al Taawun, consider these easy tips to save time and frustration:
- Make a travel plan before you leave home.
- Have your navigation app open while driving.
- Arrive as much as 20 minutes before during rush hours.
- Never run out of fuel so you don’t have to make unnecessary stops.
- Maintain proper lane position in advance, do not change lanes late.
- If flexible working hours are available, review your work schedule.
- Watch to see if any new diversions are announced.
Not all of these will reduce congestion, but they can make it much easier to plan a journey.
Final Thoughts
The Al Taawun Tunnel works are an integral part of Sharjah’s long-term strategies to enhance one of the busiest transport corridors in the UAE. Although temporary road closures and traffic diversions will increase travel time between Sharjah and Dubai, the completed project will provide improved road safety and enhanced travel time as well as help smooth the flow of traffic between the two cities.
Meanwhile, drivers can help to minimize delays by planning ahead, avoiding rush hour, paying attention to live traffic information, taking alternate routes as recommended and adhering to official diversion signs. These easy tips can greatly help with navigating the construction zone.
It’s good to follow official updates before travelling between construction works as they change the roadways as the work progresses. Keeping abreast of and adaptable to changing circumstances will help ensure you arrive at your destination on time and with less stress.
FAQs
Are you certain that the Al Taawun Tunnel is closed?
No, Traffic will still flow through the area, but during construction temporary lane closures and lane diversions will be in place.
Which path will you take to get to the park the quickest?
The fastest route will vary based on traffic conditions. In most cases, navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze will offer the best solution, as they can provide up-to-date information.
What is the peak time for traffic?
There is generally a higher volume of traffic during the morning and afternoon hours, from 7:00 AM–9:00 AM and 4:00 PM–7:00 PM, on weekdays.
Will buses be impacted?
There may be some delay in the public transport services as a result of congestion, however operators will generally make arrangements where required.
How can I find out where the traffic is before I drive there?
Navigation apps can be downloaded on your devices and will give the most up to date data on traffic and closures.
Will the project have an impact on the traffic flow once completed?
Yes. The Al Taawun tunnel will alleviate congestion, enhance travel times, boost road capacity and enhance traffic flow between Sharjah and Dubai.
How can you get the quickest avoid of traffic on the Al Taawun Tunnel works?
To avoid delays, it is best to avoid traveling during the weekday rush hour, to use a live traffic feed to check conditions before you leave, to use officially designated alternate routes and to stick to temporary diversion signs. Planning drivers’ trips beforehand helps to reduce congestion around the construction site.
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