Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded a $117.3mn project to construct direct entry/exit points for Dubai Harbour, in partnership with Shamal Holding. The project encompasses the construction of a two-lane bridge in each direction, spanning 1,500m and extending directly from Sheikh Zayed Road to Dubai Harbour.

This work plays a fundamental role in expanding access/exit routes for Dubai Harbour, while significantly relieving volumes of traffic from existing routes, stated a report.

Strategically located, Dubai Harbour is nestled between Bluewaters Island and Palm Jumeirah, adjacent to Dubai Marina.

“The project provides a direct entry/exit for Dubai Harbour to ease the movement of visitors and residents. It covers the construction of a bridge of two lanes in each direction spanning 1,500m and accommodating 6,000 vehicles per hour,” noted Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at the RTA.

He added, “The bridge extends from the 5th intersection on Sheikh Zayed Road (near the American University in Dubai) to Dubai Harbour Street, passing through the intersection of Al Naseem Street with Al Falak Street and crosses over the intersection of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street up to Dubai Harbour.”

The project also includes surface improvements at four intersections along the bridge; when completed, the overall project will improve the flow of traffic and reduce expected travel times from 12 minutes to approximately three minutes.