Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has unveiled two new bridges that enhance a vital route in Abu Dhabi, connecting Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street with Shakhbout Bin Sultan Street toward Musaffah. This strategic infrastructure initiative is poised to greatly enhance traffic flow and diminish average delays at the intersection by as much as 80 percent during peak morning hours, accommodating up to 7,500 vehicles per hour.
Project features and specifications
The AED315 million ($85.7 million) development features a newly constructed three-lane flyover bridge on Khaleej Al Arabi Street, along with a two-lane bridge that links Shakhbout Bin Sultan Street to Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street. This project also includes dedicated paths for cyclists and pedestrians, improved service roads, and sustainable landscaping options.
Construction details and achievements
In total, the bridges boast five lanes and 61 streetlights, stretching across 742 metres with a surface area of 10,242 m². The ramps extend 990 metres and are supported by 12 piers. Additionally, over 46,000 m² of street landscaping has been enhanced, and 15,354 m³ of concrete was utilized in the construction. The project was executed with more than 3 million safe man-hours, achieving a remarkable safety milestone by completing the entire construction phase without any lost time incidents (LTI).
Strategic partnership for commuter benefits
This development is the result of a strategic partnership between DMT and its affiliate, the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility). The bridges are expected to benefit commuters traveling to the city, as well as those heading to Zayed International Airport, Mussafah, and Hudayriyat Island.
His Excellency Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, remarked that these new bridges represent the latest in a series of significant infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing Abu Dhabi’s road network, boosting connectivity, and improving the quality of life for citizens, residents, and visitors.
Commitment to sustainable development
His Excellency Al Shorafa stated: “DMT’s mission is to create a seamless, connected and liveable city through multiple modes of modern transportation while alleviating congestion, cutting journey times, improving transport safety, and protecting our environment. We are investing heavily to ensure Abu Dhabi’s infrastructure ranks among the very best in the world and that we meet the capital’s current and future transportation needs.
“It is fitting that this new infrastructure, delivered on time and budget, opens as we welcome 2025 – a year where a wave of transformative projects will be unveiled to accommodate Abu Dhabi’s rapid economic growth. This is only the very beginning. By working together with all stakeholders, DMT will accelerate the provision of the smart and sustainable infrastructure required by a growing population to move seamlessly through our city.”
Future-ready infrastructure for growth
The enhancement of this crucial intersection will facilitate smooth movement along one of Abu Dhabi’s busiest corridors. The newly constructed bridges are expected to diminish congestion and average delay times to just 20 seconds during peak morning hours. The project also incorporates plans for future development, including an underpass initiative, ensuring that the infrastructure can support ongoing growth and changing transportation demands.
