Burst water pipes cause congestion in Dubai’s Discovery Gardens

Dubai resident Karen Kelly said she spent 40 minutes to move less than 2km.

Authorities are working to find the cause of a burst water pipe that caused massive traffic jam in Discovery Gardens on Tuesday morning.
A pipe burst was reported on First Al Khail road, behind DMCC, causing congestion at the exit and entry point of Discovery Gardens. Residents spent hours stuck in the traffic going out as Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) closed part of Qarn Al Sabkha St., near First Al Khail Road intersection.

2.Motorists coming from Qarn Al Sabkha St. heading to Sheikh Zayed Road may drive through the underpass and continue on Qarn Al Sabkha St.
— RTA (@RTA_Dubai) November 20, 2018

Dubai resident Karen Kelly said she spent 40 minutes to move less than 2km. “We need better solutions to cope with this traffic in and around Discovery Gardens area,” Kelly tweeted.
Another angry resident, who requested anonymity, said the road closure caused her delays to a work meeting. “My sister did not make it to her class in time and she had exam revision today. The traffic was so bad that we were stuck for hours,” the residents said.
Lakshmi Ramarajan described the traffic as never being this bad. She said it took her nearly two hours to get out of the area.

A pipe burst on #FirstAlKhail road, behind DMCC, caused heavy congestion in #DiscoveryGardens, #Dubai today. (Rahul Gajjar/Khaleej Times) pic.twitter.com/ZZqXorzIZ9
— Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) November 20, 2018

A spokesperson from Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) confirmed to Khaleej Times that technicians have been sent to the area to check the cause of the burst and determine which pipe it came from.

1.Motorists coming from First Al Khail Road heading to Qarn Al Sabkha Eastward may continue on First Al Khail Road and follow the signs to First Al Khail Road South, then to Qarn Al Sabkha St.
— RTA (@RTA_Dubai) November 20, 2018

The RTA has urged motorists to take alternative roads to avoid the traffic.
Motorists coming from First Al Khail Road heading towards Qarn Al Sabkha Eastward are advised to continue on First Al Khail Road and follow the signs to First Al Khail Road South, then to Qarn Al Sabkha St.

Due to emergency works on part of Qarn Al Sabkha St., near
First Al Khail Road intersection, motorists are requested to use alternative roads as follows:
— RTA (@RTA_Dubai) November 20, 2018

Motorists coming from Qarn Al Sabkha St. heading towards the Sheikh Zayed Road may drive through the underpass and continue on Qarn Al Sabkha St.
The Discovery Garden’s developer, Nakheel, told Khaleej Times that it is working closely with authorities to resolve the issue.  “We will continue to liaise with the authority on behalf of those affected,” a spokesperson said.
sherouk@khaleejtimes.com