Ruler of Dubai launches construction of Dh394m Shindagha Bridge project

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, on Friday launched the construction of the Dh394 million Shindagha Bridge project, which features a design based on the concept of the infinity sign.

The bridge is part of the third phase of the Dh5 billion Shindagha Corridor project extending 13 km along Sheikh Rashid Street.

Receiving Sheikh Mohammed at the event, Mattar Al Tayer, the director general and chairman of the executive board at Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, announced some of the key facts about the project.

The bridge extends about 295 metres, he said, 150 metres of which is over the Dubai Creek. It consists of six lanes in each direction in addition to a pedestrian crossing.

Rising over 15 metres above the water level, it allows a whole range of boats on the Creek to pass under it.

Size aside, the bridge is notable for its iconic design which features an architectural arch shaped in the form of the mathematical symbol for infinity. The top of the infinity arch rises 42 metres. About 2,400 tonnes of steel will be used in the construction of the bridge.

Sheikh Mohammed drew the infinity sign of the bridge on an electronic screen, following which a huge design of the bridge was unveiled, heralding the start of its construction works.

The first two phases of the Shindagha Corridor Project have already been completed. In 2016, the RTA launched the initial phase of the Shindagha Network, which was marked by the opening of the improved Sheikh Rashid Street-Oud Metha Street Junction.

In May this year, the RTA opened phase 2 of the project involving the opening of Sheikh Rashid Street-Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street Junction.

Phase 3 of the project includes the construction of the Shindagha Bridge, whose iconic architectural design will make it a unique landmark.

Phase 4 covers the construction of the extension of Shindagha Bridge. This phase is expected to be completed by 2025. Phase 5, which covers the construction of Deira Southern Island, with bridges spanning 1.5 km, is expected to be completed by 2027.

Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied at the launch event by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid, Crown Prince of Dubai.

The launch was also attended by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chief Executive of Emirates Group, Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, and Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The National