Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed 90 per cent of a new bridge project that will provide direct access between Sheikh Zayed Road and Dubai Harbour, with the first phase set to open to traffic later this month.
The project includes a 1.5-kilometre bridge with two lanes in each direction and is designed to improve traffic flow to one of Dubai’s major waterfront destinations.
Opening schedule
According to RTA, motorists travelling from Sheikh Zayed Road towards Dubai Harbour from both the Deira and Jebel Ali directions will be able to use the bridge from June.
In July, additional traffic movements will open, including routes from Dubai Harbour to Al Naseem Street and from the bridge to the intersection of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street and Al Naseem Street.
Traffic improvements
The bridge begins at Interchange 5 on Sheikh Zayed Road near the American University in Dubai and extends to Dubai Harbour Street, crossing several key intersections along the route.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, said: “The project translates the directives of the wise leadership to develop integrated infrastructure that supports Dubai’s rapid urban and economic growth. It also forms part of RTA’s ongoing efforts to develop an integrated and connected road network, while enhancing infrastructure readiness to support future growth across key areas.”
He added: “Work on the project is progressing at an accelerated pace, with completion reaching 90 percent. The project includes the construction of a 1,500-metre bridge with two lanes in each direction, starting from Interchange 5 on Sheikh Zayed Road near American University in Dubai, passing through the intersection of Al Naseem Street and Al Falak Street, crossing over the intersection of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, and extending to Dubai Harbour Street.”
According to RTA, the bridge will accommodate up to 6,000 vehicles per hour in both directions. The project also includes upgrades at four intersections to improve traffic movement and connectivity.
Once fully operational, journey times between Sheikh Zayed Road and Dubai Harbour are expected to fall from 12 minutes to about three minutes.
Construction progress
The contractor has completed most of the foundation, column and concrete barrier works. Around 1,400 engineers and workers are involved in the project across 12 teams.
RTA said more than 4.2 million work hours have been recorded since construction began. The project has used over 45,000 cubic metres of concrete and 8,273 tonnes of steel.
Public-private partnership
Al Tayer said the development reflects cooperation between RTA and Shamal Holding and forms part of broader efforts to support Dubai’s urban growth and transport infrastructure.
Abdulla Binhabtoor, Chief Executive Officer of Shamal Holding, said: “This bridge is an important milestone in the evolution of Dubai Harbour and a testament to what can be achieved through strong collaboration with the Roads and Transport Authority.
“Enhanced connectivity is fundamental to creating great destinations, and this development will play a significant role in supporting Dubai Harbour’s continued growth as one of the region’s leading seafront districts. At Shamal, we invest with a long-term perspective, focusing on opportunities that create lasting value and contribute to the future of the city. The completion of this bridge reflects that commitment, strengthening the destination today while helping to shape its next chapter for years to come.”
