The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai, in partnership with Dubai Airport City, has awarded a contract for the expansion and improvement of the bridge leading to Terminal 1 of Dubai International Airport. The aim of this project is to enhance traffic flow to the airport, reduce travel times, and improve the overall experience for users, while accommodating the continuous growth in the number of passengers, which is projected to exceed 92 million in 2024.
Project Details
According to Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the RTA, the project involves expanding the existing bridge from three lanes to four. This will be achieved by constructing a new bridge utilizing an innovative system of integrated box girders combined with a composite concrete slab. This engineering solution was chosen for its high construction efficiency and ability to complete the bridge in a short timeframe, while avoiding the need for traffic diversions on Airport Road and the installation of temporary supports beneath the bridge, thus ensuring minimal disruption to existing traffic and maintaining the highest safety standards.
The total length of the bridge, including ramps, is 171 meters, with the main bridge measuring nearly 70 meters. The project will also involve road surface improvements, infrastructure enhancements, and landscaping work to ensure integration with the surrounding infrastructure. Additionally, street lighting will be installed to enhance visibility and safety. The new expansion will increase the bridge’s capacity from 4,200 vehicles per hour to 5,600 vehicles per hour, marking a 33% increase.
Commitment to Infrastructure Development
Al Tayer emphasized the RTA’s commitment to advancing the road network and transportation systems in Dubai. This initiative aims to improve the efficiency of major road corridors and provide sustainable and flexible public transport options that facilitate the movement of residents and visitors, enhance quality of life, and elevate Dubai’s global competitiveness as an attractive center for international events. He noted that the bridge expansion project is part of the RTA’s ongoing efforts to enhance traffic flow and improve connections between key routes and vital facilities, notably Dubai International Airport, which remains the busiest airport in the world for international passengers. In addition, expanding the bridges will enhance road capacity, improve traffic safety, and reduce travel time during peak hours.
Development of Airport Road
It is worth mentioning that in recent years, the RTA has carried out a project to develop Airport Road from its intersection with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road to its intersection with Al Casablanca Road. This project included the construction of bridges and tunnels at various intersections, notably the Rashidiya intersection, Airport Road intersecting with Al Casablanca Road, Marrakech Street, and Nad Al Hammar Street. The initiative directly benefits Dubai International Airport by implementing a one-lane direct bridge to facilitate traffic towards Terminal 3 without the need to stop at traffic signals. Additional infrastructure improvements include a bridge leading to the Dubai Engineering Projects Corporation and a supplementary bridge servicing traffic from Airport Road towards Al Casablanca Road without stopping. Moreover, an alternative route was created for travelers from the Al Qusais area to access Terminals 1 and 3 directly, while the number of lanes on Al Casablanca Road heading towards Al Qusais Bridge was increased from three to four.