What is Risk Analysis in the Context of Travel Risk Events
Travel risk analysis evaluates disruptions to mobility systems, roads, public transport, freight routes, and how these affect personnel safety, logistics and continuity. In the UAE, where inter-emirate travel heavily depends on arterial highways like E611 and E11, slip-road closures and construction work have historically produced sustained congestion, elevated collision risk and delays to just-in-time logistics. Understanding these patterns allows organisations to assess impacts on staff movement, business operations and supply chains, enabling informed planning and mitigation.
Executive Summary
- Date of Event: 11 December
- Location: Emirates Road (E611), Sharjah, UAE
- Risk Category: Travel Risks
- Severity Score: 3 / 5
- Confidence Level: 80 %
Authorities have announced a slip-road closure on Emirates Road from 11 December for development and roadworks. Expected duration is two to six weeks, with potential extensions up to ten weeks based on past precedents. Severity is moderate due to congestion on E611 and spillover onto Al Ittihad Road (E11), King Faisal Street and nearby industrial corridors. Peak-hour delays of 15 to 45 minutes are anticipated, with elevated collision risk and modest disruption to time-sensitive logistics.
Known Hotspots and Sensitive Areas
High Impact:
- Emirates Road (E611) slip-road zone; Al Ittihad Road (E11); King Faisal Street intersections.
Medium Impact:
- Al Dhaid and Ras Al Khaimah feeder routes; Khorfakkan Road Tunnel access points.
Low Impact:
- Peripheral industrial zones with multiple alternate exits.
December–January roadworks commonly coincide with increased commuter traffic, amplifying congestion effects.
Impact on Transportation and Services
The slip-road closure will significantly slow peak-period traffic on E611, forcing vehicles onto diversion ramps and local arterials. Spillover delays on E11 and surrounding connectors are likely. Public bus routes using the affected ramp may experience temporary relocation. Last-mile deliveries, cross-emirate freight and commuter-dependent operations will face increased travel times. No direct air, port or ICT disruption is expected, though customer-facing services may be affected by staff lateness.
Recommended Actions
Immediate Measures:
- Activate a Traffic Diversion Response Team and implement peak-hour monitoring.
- Reroute fleet using telematics with updated RTA/Sharjah Police feeds; issue printed diversion maps to drivers.
- Stagger shift start/end times; enable remote work for non-site roles.
- Notify clients and suppliers 48- and 12-hours pre-diversion with updated ETAs and buffer windows.
Strategic Measures:
- Establish alternative warehousing or laydown areas outside diversion zones.
- Strengthen asset-security measures for stock positioned near affected routes.
- Incorporate multi-week diversion scenarios into business-continuity and logistics plans.
Multidimensional Impact
Congestion on E611 may reduce available capacity for logistics supporting large events (e.g., year-end production and New Year’s Eve preparations) and may compound delays if coinciding with forecast adverse weather. Event organisers should increase lead times and schedule deliveries off-peak.
Emergency Contacts
- Sharjah Police: 999 (emergency) / 901 (non-emergency)
- RTA Dubai: 800 9090
- Sharjah Roads & Transport Authority: +971 6 8832712
Final Thoughts
Traffic diversion impacts are expected to be moderate but prolonged. Travel-time inflation, peak-hour congestion and supply-chain delays require pre-emptive routing and communication. Organisations should use early-warning tools such as MitKat’s Datasurfr to monitor evolving traffic conditions and adjust operations dynamically.Stay ahead of operational risks with real-time alerts, scenario modeling, and expert advisories with datasurfr’s Predict. Start your 14-day free trial of Datasurfr’s Risk Intelligence Platform today.