Dubai is set to enhance its connectivity with the construction of a bridge linking Bur Dubai to the Dubai Islands, slated for completion in 2026. The announcement was made on September 13 by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), following an agreement with Nakheel, the real estate developer spearheading the Dubai Islands project.
The initiative is undertaken as a part of the Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project, directed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and overseen by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Spanning 1,425 meters with four lanes operating in each direction, the bridge will serve as a direct artery from Bur Dubai to the Dubai Islands. The new structure will have a carrying capacity of 16,000 vehicles per hour in both directions, featuring a height of 15.5 meters above the Dubai Creek and a 75-meter-wide canal beneath, facilitating the passage of various ship types.
The bridge plans to promote eco-friendly transportation, incorporating a dedicated lane for cyclists and pedestrians, bolstered by the installation of elevators at both ends to aid in mobility.
Mattar Al Tayer, the RTA Director-General, accentuated that the bridge marks a pivotal phase of the Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project. Envisioned to ease traffic flow in key areas including Deira and Bur Dubai, the initiative aims to reduce travel time substantially by 2030. The development is split into five phases, boasting a total estimated budget of Dh5.3 billion.
Nakheel Chairman, Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, emphasized the collaborative efforts of RTA and Nakheel in fostering innovative and sustainable infrastructure developments, reaffirming Dubai’s standing as a global nexus for forward-thinking urban development. The bridge not only facilitates easier access to the Dubai Islands but also acts as a catalyst in bringing the vision of Dubai to fruition.
In 2020, the RTA successfully established a series of entrances and exits connecting Dubai Islands with Deira, improving traffic flow and accessibility through three newly constructed bridges at the junction of Al Khaleej Street and Abu Baker Al Siddique Road.