Motorists in Sharjah advised to plan ahead as Etihad Rail construction changes major roads/Image – File
Motorists traveling through one of Sharjah’s busiest corridors will need to plan their journeys carefully over the coming weeks after authorities announced a temporary traffic diversion to facilitate construction works associated with the ambitious Etihad Railway Station access road project in the UAE.The Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority confirmed that the traffic diversion affects the roads linking the university city and the institute land (institute land). The temporary changes are designed to allow work on access roads that will eventually connect the area to the UAE’s growing national passenger rail network. This transfer comes as Etihad Rail continues to expand infrastructure ahead of the launch of passenger services across the country.Authorities urged motorists to follow the modified traffic signals, use designated alternative routes and allow additional travel time, especially during the morning and evening peak hours when the University City Corridor faces heavy traffic from students, university staff and commuters.
What methods are affected?
According to the RTA, this diversion has been introduced as part of the ongoing construction work for the Etihad Station Access Roads Project, one of several infrastructure upgrades supporting the launch of commuter rail services.
The affected section is located between the university city and the institute land (institute land). The temporary traffic arrangement is expected to remain in place until August, allowing engineers to safely complete major construction works while maintaining traffic flow via identified alternative routes.The authorities asked drivers to adhere to temporary road signs, reduce speed near construction areas, and cooperate with traffic management teams to reduce congestion and ensure the safety of road users and construction workers. The latest diversion follows a series of temporary road closures announced across Sharjah in recent months as infrastructure works accelerate to prepare the emirate for the arrival of passenger services from Etihad Rail.
Why is Sharjah witnessing more construction work?
The roadworks form part of the wider Etihad Rail programme, one of the largest transport infrastructure projects in the UAE.Launched in 2009, the national railway network extends over 900 kilometres, and is designed to connect all seven emirates, linking major cities, ports, airports and industrial centers while also forming part of the future GCC rail network.
Cargo services are already operational, while passenger services will officially start in 2026.Sharjah plays a strategic role in the network due to its location between Dubai and the Northern Emirates. The emirate’s railway infrastructure will improve links with Dubai, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, while enhancing access to Sharjah International Airport, logistics hubs and industrial areas.Once fully operational, the railway is expected to reduce reliance on private vehicles, relieve pressure on major highways and provide faster and more sustainable travel options for both residents and visitors.
Etihad trains throughout the UAE
The construction work that disrupted traffic today is expected to bring significant transportation benefits in the long term.Etihad Rail’s passenger trains can operate at speeds of up to 200 kilometers per hour, with tracks linking 11 cities and regions across the UAE.
Early passenger services include flights between Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah, offering much shorter journey times than traveling by road. The trains feature on-board Wi-Fi, charging points and multiple seating classes designed for passengers and leisure travelers alike.
For Sharjah residents, the railway is expected to transform daily commuting by reducing congestion on the heavily used roads linking the emirate to Dubai and other neighboring cities.
The project also supports the UAE’s broader sustainability strategy by reducing carbon emissions and reducing the number of heavy vehicles on the highways.
What you should know before traveling
As construction work continues over the coming weeks, the Roads and Transport Authority advises motorists to check their routes before setting off, allow additional travel time and follow all temporary traffic signals around the University City area. Drivers traveling during university business hours and peak commute periods will likely experience the greatest delays. While the temporary diversions may cause inconvenience in the short term, authorities say the works are a necessary step in delivering one of the UAE’s most significant transport upgrades. Once completed, the new access roads will support Sharjah’s future Etihad Rail Station and improve connectivity across the emirate, helping residents benefit from faster, safer and environmentally friendly travel for decades to come.
