Dubai Roads begins trial operation to clean traffic signals using drone technology

The Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai has begun the trial run for cleaning traffic signals, using drone technology, in an innovative step that reflects the authority’s keenness to adopt the latest innovative technologies in its operational operations, and its commitment to employing smart solutions in line with its future vision of enhancing the quality and efficiency of resource use, and achieving the highest levels of traffic safety for road users.

This initiative contributes to enhancing safety standards by eliminating the need for a manlift during the cleaning process. It also works to reduce operational costs by reducing the use of heavy equipment for the process, in addition to contributing to achieving sustainability goals by reducing fuel and water consumption, and reducing emissions resulting from the operation of traditional equipment.

Abdullah Ali Lootah, Director of the Road Maintenance and Facilities Department at the Traffic and Roads Agency at the Roads and Transport Authority, said: “The Authority seeks to adopt the latest innovative technologies to improve maintenance work, maintain operational efficiency, and sustain its performance on the emirate’s streets and road facilities. The trial operation of drones in cleaning traffic signals included a performance comparison between modern technology and the traditional method, in terms of time, cost, quality of implementation, and extent of compliance with safety requirements.”

He added: “The first phase included implementing several experiments at the intersection of Marrakesh Street and Rabat Street, with limited traffic closure to ensure the highest levels of safety during the first experimental period. The initial results showed a reduction in operational time by a rate ranging between 25% to 50%, as the drone completes cleaning one side within a period ranging from only 3 to 4 minutes, in addition to an estimated reduction in operational cost of up to 15% compared to the traditional method, and it is expected to reach 25% in the future when using technology.” A more advanced drone.

Lootah confirmed the continuation of the trial run to ensure the efficient use of drone technologies in maintenance work, as the mechanism for carrying out the cleaning will be studied during the next phase, which will focus on achieving the highest levels of safety and not affecting the flow of traffic, which will contribute to raising the quality of operational operations and enhancing the performance of the infrastructure and road network in the Emirate of Dubai.