Motorists hail airport tunnel closure timings

DUBAI - City motorists have hailed the move of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to close the busy Airport Tunnel only in the early morning hours in a bid to avoid traffic snarls.

By Joy Sengupta (Staff Reporter)

Published: Tue 18 Mar 2008, 8:32 PM

Last updated: Mon 17 Apr 2023, 8:38 AM

The motorists have said with the tunnel closing from 1am till 5am, they will be able to move freely during the busy hours, thus reaching their destinations on time.

Earlier, the RTA had announced that the Airport Tunnel would be closed to allow construction works of Dubai Metro viaduct at the entry and exit points in the road section between Nad Al Hammer Road and Rashidiya from 1am to 5am till April 14. The closure came into effect on March 14. The senior RTA officials also added that the tunnel would remain open on Fridays, Saturdays and the official holidays.

“This is a sensible move. The Airport Tunnel is one of the busiest spots in the emirate and its closure during the busy hours would have given the motorists a big hiccup. The tunnel is very busy all through the day and is also a venue for traffic clogs. If it were closed during the busy morning hours, it would have created chaos,” said Hashim Ali Ahmad, a daily motorist working at the Dubai Media City.

“They might have closed the Airport Tunnel for a short time but the RTA has given us a good gift by opening the new and improved Garhoud Bridge. Driving through the new bridge is a joyride. Moreover, the closure of the tunnel would not affect us in anyway because of the timings. This shows that the RTA cares for the motorists and they are doing a commendable job despite all the problems,” said Sudhir Kumar Pandya, another motorist.

Meanwhile, the RTA has advised the motorists to use alternative roads to ease traffic jams and exercise all caution during the period of tunnel closure.

”The motorists should follow the signs of the alternative routes carefully. The tunnel closure has only a limited impact on traffic movement. It is part of the RTA’s efforts to upgrade the facilities to match the huge development being witnessed in the emirate a matter which warrants uplifting the standard of infrastructure and services to cater to all present and future requirements,” said Hussain Al Banna, Director of the Right of Way Services Department of the RTA.