Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has approved a highways upgrade aimed at tackling congestion in the Central Business District and Deira seafront.

The step is in response to public complaints related to traffic congestion and a lack of parking spaces in the busy neighbourhood, the RTA said in a statement.

It will enhance the road network and provide more parking spaces and access to public transport systems to ease traffic flow in the area, said Engineer Maitha bin Udai, CEO of Traffic and Roads Agency at RTA.

The government body has also approved the studies and proposed traffic solutions for the new fish market, which is set for completion and opening early next year, Bin Udai said. “The approved plan included the provision of service roads, smooth entrances and exits, in addition to about 1,600 parking slots to accommodate extra numbers of vehicles associated with the new projects.”

In coordination with the Dubai Municipality, the RTA has already started building service roads and entrances and exits for the new fish market project.

In light of the growing number of development projects on the Deira waterfront – such as the Deira Islands and Jewel of the Creek projects – the government body is keen to work out a comprehensive road network and public transport plan based on projected traffic volumes, Bin Udai added.