The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai has awarded a contract to build an eight-lane bridge over Dubai Creek.
The agency said it issued the contract to offer direct access points to Dubai Islands from the Bur Dubai side.
This project is part of the traffic solutions agreement between RTA and Dubai Holding, a diversified global investment company.
The Dh786m ($214m) project includes the construction of a 1,425m bridge with four lanes in each direction.
This bridge will be situated between the Infinity Bridge and Port Rashid Development area, spanning Dubai Creek. It is expected to handle up to 16,000 vehicles per hour in both directions.
Rising 18.5m above the surface of Dubai Creek, the bridge will feature a 75m-wide navigational channel to accommodate various types of vessels.
The project also entails the creation of a dedicated pedestrian and cycling track, complete with elevators.
Additionally, 2,000m of surface roads will be built to connect the new bridge with existing roads around Dubai Islands and Bur Dubai.
This project marks the second contract under the initiative to build entry and exit points for Dubai Islands.
Previously, in collaboration with Dubai Holding, RTA completed three bridges totalling 1.6km in 2020, enhancing connectivity with Al Khaleej Street.
Dubai RTA director general and chair of the executive director board Mattar Al Tayer said: “The Dubai Islands access project forms part of AlShindagha Corridor Development Project, one of RTA’s key strategic road projects currently in progress. This massive project involves developing 15 intersections over a 13km stretch, and it has been divided into five phases due to its scale. The corridor will serve both Deira and Bur Dubai areas, along with several key development projects, including Dubai Islands, Deira Waterfront, Dubai Maritime City, and Port Rashid.
“The project is expected to benefit around one million people. Furthermore, the development of the corridor will reduce travel time from 104 minutes to just 16 minutes, yielding an estimated saving of nearly Dh45bn over 20 years.”
The broader Dh6bn agreement between RTA and Dubai Holding is set to bolster the infrastructure of the emirate, aligning it with major development projects and planned communities.
This agreement encompasses the construction of bridges and roads to improve access to several key development areas, including Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai Production City, Business Bay, Palm Jumeirah, and International City.
Under the agreement, Jumeirah Village Circle will see four additional entry and exit points, as well as flyovers that will double the capacity of these access points, reducing travel time.
The construction of additional bridges for Dubai Production City and surface improvements at Business Bay and Palm Jumeirah are also included, aimed at enhancing traffic flow and reducing travel times.
Last month, RTA completed traffic improvements on Sheikh Zayed Road.
