Dubai's RTA reveals progress on new $160m traffic control hub

Traffic Control Centre project aims to expand the coverage of Dubai roads by smart systems from 11% to 60%.

The new centre aims to expand the coverage of Dubai roads by smart systems from 11 percent to 60 percent, and cut the time of detecting accidents and congestion on roads and ensure quick response.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has revealed that construction of a AED590 million ($160.6 million) project for the expansion of smart traffic systems in Dubai is nearly a quarter completed.

Mattar Al Tayer, director-general and chairman of the RTA, announced that work completion reached 23 percent during a tour of the Traffic Control Centre construction site in Al Barsha.

Al Tayer said the new centre aims to expand the coverage of Dubai roads by smart systems from 11 percent to 60 percent, and cut the time of detecting accidents and congestion on roads and ensure quick response.

It will also provide instant traffic information to the public about roads condition via new variable messaging signs and smart apps, and enhance the efficient management of traffic movement during major events, such as Expo 2020.

Al Tayer was briefed about the progress of building the new control centre which comprises four divisions - traffic control centre, two wings for support offices and the reception lounge connecting the four divisions.

It also has an attached utility building for electricity and air-conditioning units. The building structure has now been fully completed and work started in the cladding and electromechanical works.

Al Tayer also inspected the progress of other main areas of the project. The first covers traffic monitoring and data capturing systems and involves the installation of 116 cameras, 100 radar detection systems, 114 Bluetooth devices, and 17 weather information systems.

A second relates to information signs which involves the installation of 112 signs providing instant information to drivers about the road condition while a third involves constructing the infrastructure of civil works such as fibre optic lines, and electricity distribution network and involve the extension works spanning about 400km.

“Upon completion, the project will ease the management of traffic bottlenecks and accidents, enhance the safety of road users, and ease personal mobility, thanks to the use of sophisticated technologies,” said Al Tayer.

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