Sharjah introduces smart traffic diversions for Al Taawun Tunnel, Etihad Rail projects
- Last updated: July 31, 2026 | 23:54
The Roads and Transport Authority in Sharjah (SRTA) has implemented a package of qualitative traffic diversions, which achieved noticeable fluidity of vehicle movement coinciding with the implementation of vital infrastructure projects, which did not hinder applying traffic solutions and alternative routes, nor the daily movement with the highest levels of fluidity and safety, while reducing congestion and maintaining transport efficiency.
Strategic projects included road development and expansion, the construction of bridges, and the development of squares, along with Al Taawun Tunnel project and other vital projects, which will constitute a distinctive addition to the infrastructure and road network in the emirate.
SRTA said they adopt a proactive approach in preparing traffic diversion plans, by studying movement on various axes and providing alternative routes capable of reducing traffic densities.
Among these projects is Al Khan Road, where a number of temporary traffic diversions were implemented with the aim of increasing its capacity, being one of the most prominent vital axes in the emirate, and the goal was also to improve the efficiency of traffic movement in line with urban growth and the continuous increase in the number of vehicles.
Work reportedly began on the first diversions on May 22, 2026 and included the extension of the road adjacent to Industrial Areas 7, 8, and 9, followed by another diversion on which work started towards Industrial Road June 3 on 6, 2026, all of which contributed to the fluidity of traffic.
Al Taawun Tunnel project is one of the largest infrastructure development projects currently being implemented in the emirate, as it aims to raise the efficiency of the traffic link between Sharjah and Dubai, and improve the level of service on a road which witnesses high traffic densities throughout the day.
To implement the project, SRTA partially closed Al Taawun Square starting from 13 June 2026 and diverted the route of vehicles heading to Dubai and Al Nahda Bridge via Corniche Street, while the movement coming from Al Nahda Bridge was directed towards the new Al Taawun Street.
Within the preparations of the Emirate of Sharjah for Etihad Rail project, SRTA implemented a traffic diversion between the University City and the Institutes Land areas, enhancing the readiness of the road network to accommodate this strategic project.
It is noteworthy that SRTA previously announced that the traffic diversion will extend from 4 July until 23 August 2026, with the provision of an alternative road network for vehicles coming from Industrial 17, Industrial 18, and Dubai city.
Al Khulafa Intersection: In parallel with the commencement of the first phase of the project to raise the efficiency of Al Khulafa Al Rashideen Intersection, the SRTA implemented a partial and temporary traffic diversion starting from 13 June 2026 with the aim of developing it and raising the efficiency of vehicle flow on the surrounding road network.
The diversion reportedly included parts of the roads connected to Al Wahda Street and Jamal Abdul Nasser Street, in addition to the roads leading to Al Khan, Al Taawun, and Industrial 1 areas, with the provision of alternative routes which contributed to the continuation of movement and the reduction of traffic impacts during the implementation period.
SRTA implemented a temporary traffic diversion at Omran Bin Taryam and Ahmed Bin Hadid squares, within the project to develop the two squares and convert them into intersections controlled by permanent traffic lights.
The diversion began on June 21, 2026 with the continuation of movement on Sheikh Khalid Bin Khalid Al Qasimi Street without closures, which maintained the fluidity of traffic in parallel with the implementation of the project works.
The SRTA implemented a traffic diversion between Industrial Areas 12 and 13 which started on June 30, 2026, and work will continue until Aug.30, 2026, with the provision of alternative routes to ensure the continuation of traffic.