No road closures in Dubai: RTA

All roads in Dubai are open for traffic and no roads in Dubai have been closed due to the heavy rains that lashed the Emirate, according to Road and Transport Authority (RTA) officials.

However, there is slowdown of traffic on the Sheikh Zayed Road towards Abu Dhabi at the exit of Jebel Ali port and drivers are being asked to take alternative routes such as Al Khail Road and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road. Moaza Saeed Al Marri, Director of RTA's Marketing and Corporate Communication said that a special taskforce is working to clear accumulation of water in water-logged roads.

Give other vehicles more space. Add 1-2 extra seconds of following time in the rain. #DriveSafely

- RTA (@RTA_Dubai) March 9, 2016

"We have mobilized people to other alternative routes since the road to Abu Dhabi on exit of Jebel Ali Port on Sheikh Zayed road is facing water logging," she said.

A team of 101 members have been deployed by the RTA to solve the problem along with 21 contractors who are working to clear the roads. "There are 10 tankers and 15 pumps that are working on water extraction from the roads as well," she said.

While driving in rainy weather,always watch your speed as it may be more than you think, and if so reduce your speed gradually. #DriveSafely

- RTA (@RTA_Dubai) March 9, 2016

However, Moaza reiterated that there are no road closures what so ever. She instructed drivers to be careful and avoid speeding and avoid areas with water accumulation.

The RTA tweeted: "While driving in rainy weather, always watch your speed as it may be more than you think, and if so reduce your speed gradually." 

dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com