5km upgrade will increase capacity from 12,000 to 16,000 vehicles per hourLast updated: August 27, 2026 | 16:552 MIN READThe 5km expansion will raise capacity and cut peak-hour journey times by up to 25%.Dubai: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will open a 5-kilometre expansion of Emirates Road on August 30, adding two lanes for traffic travelling from Sharjah towards the Wadi Al Amardi area.The expansion is aimed at easing congestion on one of the main routes connecting Dubai with Sharjah and the Northern Emirates, particularly during busy periods.Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.The project will increase the number of lanes on the stretch from six to eight, raising its capacity from about 12,000 to 16,000 vehicles per hour. RTA said the improvements could reduce journey times by up to 25% during peak hours.Supporting growing travel demandEmirates Road carries more than 240,000 vehicles in both directions every day, including private cars and trucks. It connects Dubai with major roads, residential communities and industrial and logistics areas, making it an important route for both commuters and businesses.RTA said the latest expansion is part of its wider plans to improve key roads in response to rising traffic and the continued growth of Dubai and surrounding areas.The authority said traffic studies and expected population and urban growth were taken into account when planning the project, with the aim of ensuring the road network can handle future demand.More improvements along Emirates RoadThe latest work follows several upgrades carried out along Emirates Road in recent years. These include a new access point linking the road with Al Awir 1, improvements to entry and exit points, and traffic changes at several locations along the corridor.RTA has also improved connections between Emirates Road, Al Amardi Street and nearby development areas.The authority said the latest expansion will help provide smoother and safer journeys while improving connections between Dubai and the Northern Emirates.Balaram brings more than two decades of experience in the media industry, combining sharp editorial judgment with a deep understanding of digital news dynamics.