Highway on my Plate: An end, or a new beginning?

As i reached the roundabout, i was surprised at the new expanse in front of me. The eight lane highway on the stretch between Springs 14 and Choithrams, aka Springs Drive ages back, and Parallel Roads project now, had opened for traffic. Finally, an end to the constant drilling, milling cranes and road rollers, and chaotic twists and turns that welcomed the residents every morning for almost 2 and a half years. Though this is not an end to the ire of investors of these properties, especially the road facing ones, it is better than being in a construction zone for that long now.

My first U-turn on this traffic light and i realise something else. I can see into the garden of the people on this side of the road, and from their first floor bedrooms, they can enjoy the highway traffic, day in and day out- thanks to the raised level of this highway! What was more noticeable was the change it has brought into the design of these properties. The walls have always been low, to provide the effect of a safe community, but now, for these properties, they are dangerously low. Anyone can just hop into their backyards, especially since they open onto the highway now! Any passing-by stranger can look into their backyard and see what toys their children are playing with, how many guests they are entertaining, whether the garden is mature or nascent, whether the gardener is doing a good job or just leaving the sprinklers on, and so on and so forth....So much for privacy and safety in these 'gated ' communities! I have not even thought about the yearly rain yet…I can only hope these backyards do not get waterlogged with the water spilling from the highway! And this is just the beginning. The whole Parallel Roads project is not completed yet, and hence, not yet open to full traffic. Once it does, i wonder if it will really be a privilege to have a cousin of Sheikh Zayed Road right here, and i wonder if it will help the property values in the area. After all, how many residential communities in Dubai can boast of an 8-LANE highway with a 60km speed limit and no speed bumps (only traffic lights, which some jerks do not mind jumping, especially when there are no speed cameras, and their own children are not likely to be crossing these roads!) and no pedestrian walkways (to reach the other side of the community)?

Welcome to Springs and Meadows! You have to think of other excuses for reaching late at a party here now.....