Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed 23% of the construction on the expansion of the Smart Traffic Systems Project for a Traffic Control Centre in Al Barsha.

Through the project, the Government of Dubai aims to enhance smart traffic systems to help improve the ranking of Dubai as one of the smartest cities in the world.

Additionally, the proposed Traffic Control Centre will use smart technologies to ease pedestrian mobility, reduce accident rates and relieve congestion in the city of Dubai.

Once commissioned, the Traffic Control Centre will expand coverage of Dubai roads by the smart system network from the existing 11% to 60%.

In addition to providing quick response, the centre will offer instant traffic information to the public regarding the condition of roads through variable messaging signs and smart apps. It will also improve the efficient management of traffic movement during major events such as Expo 2020.

The Traffic Control Centre in Al Barsha will include four divisions, namely the traffic control centre, two wings for support offices and the reception lounge connecting the four divisions.

“Dubai’s RTA director-general and chairman of the board of executive directors Mattar Al Tayer also reviewed the progress of work on the five main areas of the project.”

Additionally, the facility will include an attached utility building for electricity and air-conditioning units.

With the completion of the building structure, work has started on the cladding and electromechanical aspects of the project.

Dubai’s RTA director-general and chairman of the board of executive directors Mattar Al Tayer also reviewed the progress of work on the five main areas of the project.

The first area includes traffic monitoring and data capturing systems. It involves the installation of 116 cameras, 100 radar vehicle detection systems (RVDS), 114 Bluetooth devices and 17 road weather information systems (RWIS).

The second area covers the installation of 112 signs to provide instant information about the road condition. Under the third area, the infrastructure of civil works such as fibre optic lines and electricity distribution network will be constructed. It also includes the extension works spanning almost 400km.

Advanced central traffic system will be installed under the fourth area, which will facilitate decision-taking, ensure an automatic response, and support the integration with devices at the site along with other traffic centres and operations.

The Traffic Control Centre will be constructed under the fifth phase. It will feature control rooms equipped with large screens along with user-friendly and efficient control systems for use by operators and engineers.