Gulf Construction Online - Final work on Sheikh Zayed bridge begins

UAE Focus

Architect's impression of Sheikh Zayed Bridge.

Final work on Sheikh Zayed bridge begins

01 November 2003

Work on the final part of a $250 million Sheikh Zayed bridge project to build a third crossing to Abu Dhabi Island has begun.

International business and technology consultant High-Point Rendel is responsible for the detailed design and construction supervision of the 8 km link from the mainland to the island capital of the UAE.
The 1.4 km central section of the three-part scheme, costing $175 million, involves the crossing of the Maqta Channel and includes the main Gateway Bridge with an overall length of 845 m.

The new crossing, which will provide a four-lane dual carriageway with two hard shoulders and pedestrian walkways, has been designed to the recently published Aashto LRFD standard, and should be completed by the end of 2006.

Work has already started on the two other sections of the link. The first contract, valued at $43 million, will be completed this month and involves the 3.8 km approach to the bridge from the Dubai road on the Mainland. It includes a 350 m seven-span viaduct as well as a 200 m two-lane link viaduct.

The second contract, valued at $30 million, will be finished by the end of 2004, and provides the 2.8 km link to the bridge from the Eastern Ring Road on Abu Dhabi Island, and includes a 280 m five-span and a further 300 m five-span link viaduct.

The bridge structures on all three sections are generally multi-cell post-tensioned box girders. The complex architectural form of the main Gateway Bridge - it has three arches with the main arch having a span of 234 m and providing a 16 m navigation clearance - and the harsh environment required a special structural system.