The project involves widening the existing bridge from three to four lanes.
The expansion will widen the bridge from three to four lanes, utilizing a steel box girder system combined with a composite concrete slab. This design ensures structural efficiency and allows completion within a short timeframe without requiring traffic diversions on Airport Street or temporary supports beneath the bridge. Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at RTA, stated: “This engineering solution was selected for its high structural efficiency, enabling delivery within a short timeframe, without the need for traffic diversions on Airport Street or temporary supports beneath the bridge, thereby ensuring uninterrupted traffic flow and the highest safety standards.”
The project supports RTA’s efforts to enhance connectivity between major corridors and key facilities, including Dubai International Airport, a global leader in international passenger traffic. Al Tayer added: “The bridge expansion is part of RTA’s continuous efforts to improve traffic flow and strengthen connectivity between major corridors and vital facilities, most notably Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest airport for international passengers. The expansion will boost street capacity, improve safety, and shorten journey times during peak hours.”
Spanning 171 meters, including its ramps, with a 70-meter central section, the bridge upgrade includes improvements to road surfaces, infrastructure services, and landscaping to align with surrounding infrastructure. New street lighting will also be installed to enhance safety and visibility. The project is expected to increase the bridge’s capacity from 4,200 to 5,600 vehicles per hour, a 33% improvement.
Previous RTA initiatives on Airport Street, from Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road to Casablanca Street, included constructing bridges, tunnels, and modifying intersections to improve access to DACC. These efforts featured a single-lane bridge for direct access to Terminal 3, a bridge to the Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects complex, and another single-lane bridge connecting Airport Street to Casablanca Street. Additionally, Casablanca Street was expanded from three to four lanes toward Al Garhoud Bridge, further supporting regional traffic efficiency.
