Three-hour traffic delays at Dubai’s JBR leaves commuters in a jam

The Jumeirah Beach Residences traffic gridlock continued into its second day today, with frustrated commuters complaining of three-hour delays and no respite in sight.

Commuters are being warned to plan their travel into the community, anticipating delays until September 15, when the road works are supposed to come to a halt to lift the diversions.

The traffic situation arose earlier this week when the Roads and Transportation Authority closed the Sheikh Zayed Road access on Al Sufouh Road, in front of the JBR complex, due to the tram testing that has reached its final stage.

The road closure has resulted in commuters from Dubai Marina and other surrounding areas being forced to drive down Al Sufouh Road, which turns into a single lane road at intervals, until D94 merges onto Sheikh Zayed Road.

Taziz Property Management Solutions, which supports the JBR community, issued a circular to residents last month, saying: “As part of the road works for the Dubai Tram Project, please be informed that there will be a traffic interruption along Al Sufouh Road in JBR due to the final road reinstatement.

“The traffic diversion will be implemented starting 18th August 2014 and will last until 15th September 2014. The existing temporary road will be reduced to one lane”.
 

Further inquiries were diverted to the RTA.

A statement from the RTA is still awaited, but a Twitter response to the issue said: “We understand the inconvenience you’re facing, please bear with us until the [Tram] testing phase is finished. We’ve sent your feedback to our team to investigate.”

Maitha bin Udai, CEO of Traffic and Roads Agency, RTA, said in a statement earlier: “The diversion works warrant temporary cessation of the two lanes on both sides of the street, thus shifting traffic temporarily to the service road.

“The RTA priorities as regards the tram project, is to ensure the highest degree of smooth traffic flow in the area, which requires the cooperation of visitors and motorists by observing and complying with road rules and following directional signs to avoid traffic snarls.”

The 1km-long diversion is part of the ongoing works of Dubai Tram Project which is scheduled to operate next November.

On Thursday, commuters reported being stuck in the JBR gridlock for three-hour stretches, many of whom warned others to avoid the community if possible.

Leila tweeted: “Do not take exit 29 into JBR/Marina! You will be stuck in non-moving traffic.”

Ruba Johnson said: “Better not use exit 29 entering JBR. It’s mission impossible to pass through this morning.”

Chris Doughty said: “I avoid JBR 100 per cent of the time. I refuse to ever go there; it’s a nightmare.”

Meanwhile, Paula Amantea wrote: “Taxis are now refusing to come to JBR/Marina; can‘t drive because of the traffic and can’t walk because of the heat.”

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