The 1.65km tunnel extends from the end of Infinity Bridge ramp in Deira to the intersection of Al Khaleej Street and Al Wuheida Street. It will have three lanes in each direction and a capacity of up to 12,000 vehicles per hour in both directions.
It is part of the 13km Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project, one of the largest projects currently undertaken by the RTA. The new link will serve several key residential communities and development projects, such as Dubai Islands, Waterfront Market, Dubai Maritime City and Port Rashid and is expected to reduce journey time from 104 minutes to 16 minutes. It is scheduled to open by 2030.
Tunnelling works are due to be completed by the end of the year.
Tunnelling is being carried out around the clock, producing 5-6,000m3 of spoil per day, which is set to rise to 8,500m3 in the next phase.
The first, 890m phase of tunnelling has been completed and work is now continuing on the second phase of 760m. Tunnel wall cladding has also begun, in parallel with road paving and widening works, the installation of lighting and traffic signal systems, rainwater drainage and irrigation networks, and utility diversion and protection works.
Fourteen teams are working on excavation support works. These include the construction of retaining walls using secant piles for deep excavations, as well as sheet piles for medium-depth excavations.
Al Khaleej Street Tunnel will be finished with a mosaic mural depicting the Dubai skyline, designed by Emirati artist Maryam Hathboor.
