Al Taawun square in Sharjah will re-open to traffic on 4th November, timed to coincide with the Sharjah International Book Fair, officials said, a welcome respite for residents frustrated by diversions and congestion during its construction. Al Taawun Square Reopening
The upgraded, signal-controlled junction is one of a Dh750 million road improvement project, focused on a 500-metre long tunnel running underneath Al Taawun Roundabout.
The tunnel will have three lanes in each direction, thus creating a direct connection between the Al Taawun Street, Al Nahda Bridge, and Dubai to ease traffic congestion on the most used roads between the two emirates.
When completed, the new roundabout is expected to handle 4,200 vehicles per hour in either direction at peak times, with traffic waiting times predicted to fall by as much as 85 per cent.
The tunnel is the flagship scheme of five interconnected road works, connected to wider road links to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road. The first phase is due to open in November and the whole scheme will be completed by February 2027.
For residents living near the construction site, the months-long works have complicated even routine errands, with blocked access points and shifting diversions forcing many to plan trips around peak congestion.
Mohammed Saleh, an engineer residing in Al Taawun, said the scale of ongoing excavation makes it hard to envision the finished layout, though he trusts authorities to deliver on the announced timeline.
Danish Siddiqi, a sales executive based in Al Khan, said current traffic levels mean even short journeys now require forethought on timing and route.
He said the newly released design suggests smoother traffic flow once complete, and he is hopeful it will noticeably reduce delays.
Other residents were more enthusiastic about the project’s design. Sharjah resident Saeed Baroud praised the layout, signage and lighting, saying entry and exit points already appear smooth and have helped ease congestion even before full completion.
The tunnel project forms part of a broader push by Sharjah authorities to modernise transport infrastructure and improve connectivity between the emirate and Dubai as traffic volumes along the corridor continue to grow. UAE Interact
