Crane collapse on Shaikh Zayed halts traffic

Dubai - Motorists endured a massive traffic jam during the morning rush hour today after a crane belonging to the Dubai Metro Contractor, used in building a Dubai Metro Station, fell on a road sign on Shaikh Zayed Road.

Eye witnesses said the crane collapsed at 4:30am and damaged the road sign near the under-construction station by the Emirates Towers.

Abdul Majeed Al-Khaja, CEO of RTA Rail Agency, said that the RTA in conjunction with Dubai Police closed the section between the first Interchange (previously known as Defence R/A) to Trade Center R/A traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road thus preventing inbound traffic from Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali from commuting that way Bumper-to-bumper traffic went on for miles as far back as Business Bay area leading to Zabeel Road.

According to the RTA, As soon as the incident took place, the RTA Emergency Team took to the site, and with the support of the Dubai Police patrols, traffic was diverted to Al-Khail and Al-Wasl Roads.

Police patrols directed motorists inbound from Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali to use Al-Safa Interchange to drive to Al-Khail Road to the East or Al-Wasl Road to the west. Motorists driving across the first Interchange of Sheikh Zayed Road were diverted to use the Business Bay Road to the east of Al-Wasl Road to the west.

The Variable Message Signs erected at various roads have been utilized to send messages directing motorists to alternative roads.

RTA used special electrical devices to cut the mast of the crane into pieces so that it could be lifted and the way could be cleared.

At about 12.00 in the afternoon, after five hours, traffic was reinstated, bringing the situation back to normal.

"RTA has commenced investigations to find out the cause of the mishap although it primarily focused on taking away the crane and clearing the site, thus reinstating traffic flow," said Al-Khaja.  

"All equipments used in the project are subject to initial tests by security and safety units of both the Consultant and the Contractor of the project before NOCs are issued for their deployment on site. Moreover, all operators are accredited and certified to use this machinery.”