RTA invests over $160 million into smart traffic systems for Dubai

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has approved the expansion of the ‘Smart Traffic Systems’ project at a cost of AED 590 million ($160,627,264).

This project is one of the outputs of the Innovation Lab and includes the design and implementation of an integrated infrastructure for smart traffic systems in Dubai and the establishment of a new control centre in Al Barsha to manage traffic.

The coverage of the road network with smart traffic systems will increase from 11 per cent to 60 per cent, improving the monitoring of accidents, congestion and response times, providing the public with immediate traffic information on the state of the roads through new electronic boards and smart applications.

The project aims at developing and expanding smart traffic systems in the Emirate of Dubai, implementing an integrated infrastructure, establishing a new traffic control centre for traffic management and facilitating the management of bottlenecks.

The first phase of the project is divided into five main packages: firstly, traffic monitoring systems and information gathering, including the installation of cameras, vehicle detectors, Bluetooth devices and weather sensors.

The second is a ‘Dynamic Messages system’. It includes the installation of 112 plates that provide real-time information to drivers on road conditions.

The third package includes the implementation of infrastructure related to the project such as civil works, installation of fibre-optic lines and a power distribution network.

The fourth package considers the work of the advanced traffic central system, which contributes to decision support, provides automatic response plans, integration with the field equipment and other centres, as well as integration with other systems of operations.

Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Authority, said: “The fifth phase of the project includes the implementation of the traffic control centre building in Al Barsha South to accommodate the expected increase in new and future smart traffic systems. The location of the building was chosen in the centre of the emirate to keep pace with the planned expansion of Dubai’s smart traffic systems. It will be implemented with the latest international specifications in the design of control rooms, with easy-to-use systems.”