TLDR:
Two new Salik gates launch soon
New gates to ease Dubai traffic
Traffic expected to reduce significantly
DUBAI (The Thursday Times) — Salik has announced the launch date for two major toll gates that are set to transform Dubai’s road network by redistributing traffic and promoting smoother transit across key routes. The new gates, located at Business Bay Crossing on Al Khail Road and Al Safa South on Sheikh Zayed Road, will officially open to drivers on November 24. This marks a significant move in the ongoing efforts to manage congestion and promote efficient traffic flows across the city’s busiest roads.
Location and details of new toll gates
The Business Bay Crossing gate will be situated on Al Khail Road, a critical artery for daily commuters navigating through one of Dubai’s busiest corridors. This toll gate is strategically placed to mitigate the traffic build-up commonly experienced on this route, encouraging drivers to explore alternative paths and alleviate pressure on the main thoroughfares. The second toll gate, Al Safa South, will be placed on Sheikh Zayed Road, specifically between Al Meydan and Umm Al Sheif Streets. As Dubai’s primary expressway, Sheikh Zayed Road has long struggled with heavy congestion, and this new toll gate is expected to offer relief by optimising the distribution of vehicles.
Salik, Dubai’s road toll collection system in place since 2007, currently has eight operational gates spread across the city. The introduction of these new toll points aligns with the strategic vision of enhancing road efficiency and reducing travel times for those who choose to drive. The toll system charges a standard fee for every gate passed, though certain exemptions apply. A notable aspect is that if a vehicle crosses both Safa toll gates within a one-hour window, it will only be charged once, a feature that also extends to existing gates in Al Mamzar.
RTA’s strategic plan and traffic impact
First announced on January 19, the two new toll gates are part of the broader infrastructure plans outlined by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The rationale behind these measures is to spread traffic more evenly across the city’s extensive road network. Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the RTA, emphasised the need for such changes to distribute congestion and promote the use of mass transit. By making it costlier to rely exclusively on private vehicles, these toll gates serve as an economic nudge, encouraging residents to explore alternatives like the Dubai Metro, buses, or other forms of public transportation.
The anticipated benefits of these toll gates are extensive. For instance, the Business Bay Crossing toll gate is expected to reduce traffic on Al Khail Road by a significant margin, easing a route that regularly sees heavy congestion. It will also relieve pressure on Al Rebat Street, helping to maintain smoother traffic flows. Meanwhile, the Al Safa South gate is projected to cut down traffic turning from Sheikh Zayed Road to Al Meydan Street and reduce the volume of vehicles between key interchanges. The broader aim is to ensure that travel times become more predictable and to optimise the use of alternative routes like First Al Khail and Al Asayel Roads.
Economic and long-term considerations
The economic impact of Salik’s expansion cannot be overstated. Under an agreement between Salik and the RTA, a fee was paid to secure the rights to operate these gates until 2071. This long-term commitment underscores the economic foresight embedded in Dubai’s traffic management policies. With road tolls acting as a steady source of revenue, they enable continued investment in road infrastructure and the development of alternative transportation methods. The RTA is even exploring the possibility of implementing dynamic pricing, a system that would adjust toll fees based on peak traffic times, incentivising off-peak travel and reducing overall congestion.
In addition to revenue generation, these toll gates are pivotal in reshaping driver behaviour. By making private vehicle use more costly, they push a modal shift towards public transport. Salik’s introduction was not merely a financial instrument but a long-term vision for urban mobility that aligns with Dubai’s rapid urbanisation and the growing need for sustainable transit solutions. As the population continues to grow, managing road congestion becomes increasingly vital, making these measures more than just temporary fixes but essential components of Dubai’s urban planning strategy.
