The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai, in collaboration with Dubai Aviation City Corporation, has officially awarded the contract for the expansion project of the bridge leading to Terminal 1 at Dubai International Airport. This initiative aims to improve traffic flow, reduce travel times, and enhance user experiences, while accommodating the continuous growth in passenger numbers projected to exceed 92 million by 2024 at the airport.
Innovative Expansion Plans
According to His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at RTA, the project will expand the existing bridge from three to four lanes. This will be achieved by constructing a new bridge using an innovative system of integrated steel box girders combined with composite concrete slabs. This engineering solution was selected for its high construction efficiency and the ability to complete the bridge within a short timeframe, all while avoiding traffic diversions on Airport Road. There is also no need for temporary supports under the bridge, ensuring that current traffic remains unaffected and that the highest safety standards are met.
Al Tayer explained that the total length of the bridge, including the ramps, will be 171 meters, with a new bridge section measuring approximately 70 meters. The project will also involve road resurfacing improvements, enhancements to infrastructure services, and landscaping works to achieve integration with the surrounding infrastructure. Additionally, street lighting will be provided to enhance safety and visibility.
Boosting Capacity and Efficiency
The expected outcome of the bridge expansion project will increase the bridge’s capacity from 4,200 vehicles per hour to 5,600 vehicles per hour, representing a 33% increase. Al Tayer reaffirmed RTA’s commitment to developing the framework of Dubai’s roads and transportation system. He emphasized the organization’s efforts to enhance the efficiency of major road corridors and provide sustainable and flexible public transport options. These improvements will facilitate the movement of residents and visitors, ultimately elevating the quality of life and strengthening Dubai’s competitiveness as a global hub for major events.
The expansion of the bridge leading to Dubai International Airport is part of RTA’s ongoing efforts to improve traffic flow and enhance connectivity between key corridors and vital facilities, especially Dubai International Airport, which is among the busiest airports worldwide for international passenger traffic. The expansion efforts will significantly improve road capacity, thereby enhancing traffic safety and reducing travel time during peak periods.
Recent Developments on Airport Road
It’s noteworthy that in recent years, RTA has executed a development project on Airport Road, extending from its intersection with Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road to its intersection with Al-Dar Al-Bayda Road. This included the construction of bridges and tunnels at the Rashidiya intersection, as well as the intersections of Airport Road with Al-Dar Al-Bayda, Marrakech Street, and Nad Al-Hamar Street. The project, which directly benefits Dubai International Airport, included a direct bridge with a single-lane capacity serving Terminal 3 without requiring stops at traffic lights.
Furthermore, the project provided an additional bridge leading to the Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects building and another single-lane bridge to facilitate traffic from Airport Road towards Al-Dar Al-Bayda without halting at traffic signals. An alternative road was also established for those coming from the Al-Qusais area, allowing direct access to Terminals 1 and 3 of Dubai International Airport. The number of lanes on Al-Dar Al-Bayda Road was increased from three to four lanes approaching the Al-Qusais Bridge.