The two new Salik gates – Business Bay gate and Al Safa South gate – will be operational from Sunday, November 24, Salik PJSC announced on Friday.
The two new toll gates, situated at Business Bay Crossing on Al Khail Road, and Al Safa South on Sheikh Zayed Road between Al Meydan Street and Umm Al Sheif Street, will expand the number of Salik gates in Dubai from eight to 10.
Business Bay is a major bridge used for commuting by a lot of motorists from Sharjah, Al Nahda, and Al Qusais to access Al Khail Road, which is one of the busiest roads in the emirate.
In an interview with Khaleej Times, CEO of Salik, Ibrahim Al Haddad, said that the new gates are set to decrease traffic by approx. 16 per cent.
Business Bay Crossing gate will reduce traffic by:
- 12 to 15 per cent on Al Khail Road
- 10 to 16 per cent on Al Rabat Street
Al Safa South gate:
- 15 per cent reduction of right-turn traffic volume from Sheikh Zayed Road to Meydan Street
- Improve traffic flow between Financial Center Street and Meydan Street
- Redistribute traffic to wider First Al Khail Street and Al Asayel Street.
Further the CEO of Salik added: “Al Haddad also explained earlier Al Safa South gate is a technical solution linked with the existing northern Al Safa gate. “This means there is just one single payment for those passing through both the northern and southern Safa gates within an hour.”
“We are also very pleased to highlight that both new toll gates will be almost 100 per cent solar powered, which is a first for Salik and something that we have been focused on achieving for some time. This supports our sustainable growth agenda, aligned with Dubai’s goals and our commitment to green energy,” he continued.
When asked about additional toll gates in Dubai, he clarified “there is no fixed schedule for new toll gates” (aside from those opening on November 24).
He noted “the introduction of a new toll gate primarily rests on traffic and congestion levels” and depends on the outcomes of technical and traffic studies.
“The goal is to make transportation in Dubai more efficient and enhance traffic flow across the road networks. The expansion of tolling systems – whether through adding gates, adjusting toll fees, or implementing dynamic pricing relies on the results of transport strategy assessments reviewed and updated by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). However, any changes to toll rates would require a green light from Dubai’s Executive Council,” he clarified.
Source: Khaleejtimes
