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Dubai to build the world's longest arched bridge.

 
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30 Jan 2008

Construction of the world’s longest arched bridge in Dubai will begin in March and the project would be completed in four years, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced yesterday. The project, the sixth crossing over the Dubai Creek, is estimated to cost more than US$800 million.

The bridge, 1,600 metres long and 64 metres wide, will comprise 12 lanes, 6 in each direction. In addition, the Green Line of Dubai Metro will run through the centre of the bridge (the dividing area between the two bridges). The giant arch will be 205 metres high and 667 metres long.

“The Sixth Crossing is one of the biggest projects ever undertaken by the RTA in road construction. The project aims at easing traffic flow between the two banks of Dubai Creek and serving the new property developments. The project, which costs about Dh3 billion, encompasses construction of roads network extending 12 km including 22 intersections (multi-tier intersections, surface intersections, and light signal-controlled intersections). In addition to that there are junctions linking with Sheikh Rashid Rd, Oud Maitha Rd, Ras Al Khor Rd, and the Sixth Crossing” said Al Tayer. He pointed out that at Bur Dubai side; the project serves Dubai Healthcare City, Sama Al-Jaddaf, and Culture Village, whereas at Deira it serves Dubai Festival City, The Lagoons, International City, and Dubai Design Centre.

Dubai to build the world's longest arched bridge.

The Chairman & Executive Director of the RTA stated the Sixth Crossing is a unique icon of Dubai worldwide. “The specialized global companies have been invited to compete in offering an outstanding aesthetic architectural design. Four world-class companies submitted their bids and the best design was selected based on sheer technical standards” he said.

According to Al Tayer, the Crossing is characterized by a striking design poised to be a landmark of the city reflecting its architectural & civilized identity. It is modeled after the shape of an arch, providing a stunning shape visible from multiple angles. It could be viewed like an acoustic wave forming a tone compatible with the Opera. It could also be viewed like a dune or a new moon in Dubai night; symbolizing Desert Arabian environment. He pointed out that the Bridge encompasses a metro station, abra station, and an artificial island that will be made in the Creek, with a theatre for staging various events.

Al Tayer elaborated on the details of the Bridge and said that it measures 1,600 meters in length, and 64 meters in width. It comprises 12 lanes, 6 at each direction, in addition to one metro line; where the Green Line of Dubai Metro will pass across the centre of the Bridge (the dividing area between the two bridges). He pointed out that the giant arch has a height of 205 meters and a length of 667 meters; hence it will be the longest arch- bridge across the world.

The Crossing is capable of providing free traffic at all intersections and allows free navigation 24 hours a day as it rises 15 meters above the water surface. The navigation corridor has a width of 50 meters, enabling large yachts smooth navigation underpass.



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