Abu Dhabi opens new 11km ‘highway’ bridge

Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi now has a new 11km bridge linking the Al Reem and Umm Yifeenah islands to Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street in the capital.

Dubbed a “highway”, the bridge will allow for rapid intercity travel and is designed to reduce traffic congestion and improve the quality of life in the capital.

Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office, inaugurated the bridge on Thursday.

There are walking and cycling paths alongside the six-lane motorway, and as part of the infrastructure project, developer Aldar and the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) have set up bicycle rental facilities. The expressway has a capacity of 6,000 passengers per hour in each direction (12,000 passengers per hour in total).

Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed was accompanied by DMT Chairman Mohammad Ali Al Shaurafa, Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism Chairman Mohammad Khalifa Al Mubarak (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Al Chairman Dar, Executive Secretary Saif Seed Ghobash Council and Aldar Group CEO Talal Al Dhiyebi.

The Umm Yifeenah Bridge is the first phase of the Mid-Island Parkway project currently under design. It will eventually connect Al Reem and Saadiyat islands, Al Raha beach and Khalifa city.

The larger network, scheduled for completion in 2028, is designed to include cycling paths, walking paths and sustainable landscaping that will provide views of the region’s natural surroundings and Abu Dhabi’s skyline.

“We are proud to have completed this landmark project, which reflects the leadership’s vision to deliver world-class infrastructure, enhance community welfare, and provide a business-friendly environment that ensures the benefits of the emirate’s citizens, residents and visitors. provide the best possible quality of life,” Arshaurafa said.

After the opening of the bridge, there will be five bridges connecting the east side of Abu Dhabi Island with other islands such as Al Reem, Al Maryah and Umm Yifeenah. The islands are closer to Abu Dhabi Island in the center of the capital, while Saadiyat, Jubail and Yas Islands are further afield.

DMT and Aldar have implemented several sustainability measures to preserve the natural environment in the area surrounding the project, including the use of precast concrete elements and arched causeways to ensure water flow and minimize adverse impacts on the mangrove wetlands.

“The arched causeway also provides a channel for boats and allows the free passage of fish and other marine animals. Nearby Jubail Island is also planted with mangroves. The company sources 85% of its materials locally as part of its commitment to A part of the local economy that adds value.

“Umm Yifeenah Bridge is another flagship project in the company’s urban development portfolio. It embodies our leadership’s desire to deliver world-class infrastructure projects and services in Abu Dhabi. We leverage We are proud of the role our extensive expertise played in the delivery of this important project.

“As a strategic partner to the Government of Abu Dhabi, Aldar will remain committed to supporting urban planning efforts and will continue to work with its public sector partners to promote sustainable development and quality of life in the emirate,” added Al Dhiyebi.