Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE National Rail Network, has announced the completion of 50% of the construction works linked to a marine rail bridge in the UAE, as part of Package B of Stage Two of the country’s ambitious project.
In a statement, Etihad Rail said that the marine rail bridge, which runs for more than 1km, will link the Khalifa Port to the UAE National Rail Network. The project will play an important role in improving the transportation of goods in the region, reducing the cost of freight and trade.
Furthermore, the project will support Etihad Rail’s efforts to establish a rail network for the UAE, which will connect the country’s major ports with manufacturing hubs and residential areas across the country, while also contributing to reducing carbon emissions and preserving the environment through the reduction of truck trips.
According to Etihad Rail, building the first marine bridge in the UAE National Railway Network required 18,300 cu m of reinforced concrete and 4,117 tonnes of steel. The bridge will be parallel to an existing road bridge, which spans the same length, and connects the Abu Dhabi mainland to the offshore container terminal area.
The construction of the marine bridge is being implemented in line with the highest environmental standards, where Etihad Rail is working on maintaining the water flow through ensuring that the extensions and the rubble of the new marine bridge align with the existing bridge, parallel to it, it stated.
This guarantees the flow of water, which is an important factor for preserving the coral reefs surrounding the bridge, it added.
Construction works on the bridge continues according to extensive planning, having successfully overcome climatic and environmental challenges presented by the nature of the land’s topography.
These challenges include tide changes, changes in wind speed and direction, as well as high temperatures and humidity.
Recently, Etihad Rail had announced the completion of construction works for Package A of Stage Two, which extends over 139 km, and its connection through Al Ghuwaifat on the Saudi border with Stage One, which extends for 264 km from Habshan to Al Ruwais.
This significant step brings the company closer to completing the UAE National Railway Network on schedule, it added.
