RTA proceeds with widening Al Garhoud Bridge

Completion rate has so far reached 76% in the project, which started in February 2006, and has an estimated total cost of AED415 million.

The importance of the project is underscored by the fact that it involves constructing two bridges; each of them has 7 lanes at each direction. Total length of the Bridge is 520 meters, with structures rising 16 meters above the water level, ensuring free navigation in the Creek. It provides additional traffic capacity as it will be capable of handling 16000 vehicles per hour.

From Deira, there will be 7 lanes leading to the Bridge, 4 of them from Al Ittihad Road, 2 from Al Rebat Road, and one lane from Al Bustan Road. All of them converge forming 3 lanes at Al Garhoud Bridge. Similarly, traffic flow from Sheikh Rashid Road will have lanes decreasing from 6 to 3 lanes.

Engineer Maitha bin Udai, CEO of Traffic & Roads Agency stated that the new Bridge, which is scheduled for opening in March 2008, was designed such that it will ensure a balance between the number of lanes on the Bridge and number of lanes leading to it at both ends.

"This project is among a series of projects currently being undertaken to ease traffic flow in the emirate of Dubai. It is part of the RTA Strategic Plan, which strongly focuses on developing roads network so as to confront traffic bottlenecks, assist road users and ensure RTA vision aiming at providing safe & smooth transport for all. This could be achieved through continuing with improving & developing key roads network in Dubai, in order to cope with the development drive witnessed by the emirate and achievements made, placing Dubai in a leading and a reputable position in commerce & tourist industry at the regional & international level" she added.