Government ·
Report dated 29 January 2008.
SourcePress release, January 2008.
The Project extends 1600 meters, includes 12 lanes, a line for Dubai Metro
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai endorsed the design of the Sixth Crossing at Dubai Creek; which is considered one of the massive projects undertaken in the field of roads by Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), with an initial cost estimate of Dh2.5 billion. The Crossing links Al Jaddaf, at Bur Dubai, with the road separating The Lagoons & Dubai Festival City. The Crossing, which will be implemented over four years, also provides entry & exit points for the Creek Island; on which Opera building will be constructed.
HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum directed to have much attention paid to greenery and beautification along the two sides of the Crossing to add aesthetic appearance, such that it will be compatible with the local habitat so as to maintain the civilized outlook of the emirate of Dubai.
The above was announced by H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of Roads & Transport Authority, in a press conference held yesterday in the presence of Engineer Maitha bin Adai, CEO of Traffic & Roads Agency, Engineer Abdul Majid Al Khaja, CEO of Rail Agency, Engineer Nabeel Mohammed Saleh, Director of Roads Dep’t, Laila Taher, Director of the Chairman Office, Dr. Aysha Al Busmait, Director of Marketing & Corporate Communication Dep’t, and a number of departmental directors and section managers.
“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.
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 1600 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.
H.E. the Chairman of the Board & Executive Director of the RTA stated that due to the immense nature of the project, it has been divided into six phases to ensure implementation as early as possible. The First Stage encompasses construction works of the Six Crossing at Dubai Creek. The Second Phase includes construction of intersections at Deira side to serve The Lagoon and Dubai Festival City.
The Third Phase includes implementation of intersections at Deira side extending from Nad Al Hammer up to Al Aweer Rd. Phase Four includes implementation of intersections at Bur Dubai linking the Sixth Crossing with Ras Al Khor (Business Bay Crossing). Phase Five encompasses construction of intersections at Bur Dubai linking the Sixth Crossing with Sheikh Rashid and Al Garhoud Bridge. The Sixth Phase includes construction of intersections at Bur Dubai linking Ras Al Khor linking Ras Al Khor with Oud Maitha Rd and parallel roads.
Highlights of the Sixth Crossing at Dubai Creek
- The Sixth Crossing is one of the biggest road projects ever undertaken by the RTA, costing of around Dh3 billion.
- The period of project construction is 4 years.
- The Crossing has a length of 1600 meters and a width of 64 meters.
- The Crossing consists of 12 lanes; 6 lanes at each direction.
- The giant arch has a height of 205 meters and a length of 667 meters; considered the longest arch-bridge in the world.
- The Green Line of Dubai Metro passes across the center of the Crossing.
- The Crossing rises 15 meters above the water level, allowing free navigation 24 hours a day.
- At a later stage, the project encompasses construction of roads network with a total length of 12 km, comprising 22 intersections (multi-tier, surface, and light signal-controlled).
- In view of the huge nature of the project, it will be divided into six phases.
- The project serves Dubai Healthcare City, Sama Al-Jadaf, and Culture Village at Bur Dubai.
- The project serves Dubai Festival City, The Lagoons, International City, and Dubai Design Centre at Deira.