Heads Up, Sharjah Drivers

The Etihad Rail passenger service is finally up and running between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah. But before it launches in Sharjah, there are set to be some temporary traffic diversions around University City and Ard Al Maahid. The Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) has confirmed a temporary traffic diversion as part of the ongoing Etihad Rail Station Access Roads Project, which is set to affect commutes for the next seven weeks.

The diversion kicked off on Saturday, July 4 and stays in effect until Sunday, August 23. 

What’s happening

 

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A stretch of road between University City and Ard Al Maahid will see traffic diverted to make way for construction crews working on the access roads project. The long-term goal is better connectivity and smoother traffic flow once everything wraps.

SRTA is flagging potential delays during peak hours as construction ramps up, plus adjusted traffic flow patterns throughout the corridor. So, be sure to leave plenty of time if this is your usual route.

Getting through it

Stick to the official diversion routes and follow the signage posted along the affected stretch — SRTA has been firm that compliance isn’t optional here, both for your safety and for the crews working on-site.

Pro tip: Plan your route in advance, have a backup path ready, and build in extra time, especially during rush hour.

This is just the latest in a string of Etihad Rail-related road shakeups across Sharjah and Dubai in recent months, as the wider rail network continues to take shape.

The Etihad Rail latest

Etihad Rail launched its introductory phase on June 30, operating its inaugural journey between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.

Services to Dubai Train Station and Al Dhaid Train Station will be added on September 30, followed by stations in Al Dhafra on 30 December. The route will be completed on March 30 next year with the opening of Sharjah Train Station.

Read our complete guide here.