The tunnel has a total of four lanes (two in each direction), a height clearance of 5 meters and speed is limited at 60 km/h (37 mph).

Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Dubai ruler entrusted Sir William Halcrow and Partners (SWHP) to do a feasibility study to build a more direct link between the two towns.

Preliminary studies demonstrated the feasibility of both dry land and immersed methods of construction.

Stage 1 envisages dredging back of Deira bank to form a new diverted channel for shipping and building of a coffer dam out in to the creek from the Shindaga.

The completion of Phase 4 is expected to significantly improve road capacity and reduce travel time for residents and commuters.