Bridge linking Sheikh Zayed Road to Dubai Harbour to serve 6,000 vehicles an hour

A two-lane bridge connecting Sheikh Zayed Road with Dubai Harbour will serve 6,000 vehicles an hour when it is complete, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority said.

The 1.5km link will be designed to cut average travel times to the waterfront district from 12 minutes to three as part of a partnership with harbour owner Shamal Holding.

Dubai Harbour is home to two cruise terminals spanning 120,000 square metres, a marina, residential developments and leisure facilities.

The harbour between Palm Jumeirah and Bluewaters became the home of the Dubai International Boat Show in 2022. The project is to be carried out in line with the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, to improve the emirate’s road infrastructure and meet the demands of a growing population.

Dubai’s population exceeded 3.5 million in April 2022, as migration increased after the coronavirus pandemic.

It stands at more than 3.66 million, according to the Dubai Statistics Centre website.

Mattar Al Tayer, director general of the RTA, said the addition of a direct entry and exit to Dubai Harbour will help to ease traffic flow. The bridge will extend from the fifth intersection on Sheikh Zayed Road, near the American University, to Dubai Harbour Street.

“The project also includes surface improvements at four intersections along the bridge: the fifth on Sheikh Zayed Road, the intersection of Al Falak Street with Al Naseem Street, the intersection of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street with Al Naseem Street, and Dubai Harbour Street,” Mr Al Tayer said.

The RTA did not reveal when work will begin on the traffic scheme or when it is likely to be completed.

Abdulla bin Habtoor of Shamal Holding said the bridge would be a major boost for residents and visitors.