On the 2nd of April, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) opened two major bridges and a tunnel. These are part of the Falcon Interchange Improvement Project. This project is between Al Khaleej Street, Khalid Bin Al Waleed Road, and Al Ghubaiba Road.
The project spans 2.32 km and boasts a capacity of 27,200 vehicles per hour. It is a key component of the 13 km-long Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project. So, this project is one of the RTA's largest projects at a total estimated cost of AED5.3 billion ($1.44 billion). It is also an important infrastructure project to aid in enhanced transportation links in Dubai.
PROJECT PHASES
The corridor serves Deira and Bur Dubai. But the corridor also serves several development projects such as Deira Islands, Dubai Seafront, Dubai Maritime City, and Mina Rashid. Due to its massive scope, RTA divided the project into five phases. Phase four, for instance, involves the construction of three bridges with a total length of 3.1 km and a capacity of 19,400 vehicles per hour for all lanes.
The contractor is currently finalizing the construction of the third bridge within the project. This bridge is a single-lane slope bridge for right turns from Khalid Bin Al Waleed Road to Al Khaleej Street. The bridge spans 250 m and accommodates up to 1,600 vehicles per hour.
BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION
The RTA Director-General and Chairman, Mattar Al Tayer, said the project involved the construction of two main bridges on Al Khaleej Street. Each bridge is 1825m long, with six lanes in each direction. They also provide a total capacity of 12,000 vehicles per hour.
The first bridge measures 750m, while the second bridge extends 1075m in the Southern direction. These bridges connect to the new Infinity Bridge and Al Shindagha Tunnel from Deira's side, as well as the improved junctions on Sheikh Rashid Road.
TUNNEL CONSTRUCTION
The project also includes a two-lane tunnel for left turns from Khalid Bin Al Waleed Road to Al Mina Street. The tunnel is 500m long and can accommodate up to 3,200 vehicles per hour. Works under Phase four include the construction of Sheikh Rashid Road from its junction with Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street to the Falcon Interchange on Al Mina Street, stretching 4.8 km.
OTHER WORKS
Works in progress also include a signalised surface junction that connects Al Khaleej Street with Al Ghubaiba Road and Khalid Bin Al Waleed Road. This is alongside pavements, lighting, traffic systems, rainwater drainage, and irrigation systems. All works are anticipated for completion by July this year.
FINAL REMARKS
The Falcon Interchange Improvement Project is an essential infrastructure development in Dubai. It offers a boost to the road network and will help relieve traffic congestion. The completed project will also help connect several development projects in the area, including Deira Islands, Dubai Seafront, Dubai Maritime City, and Mina Rashid.
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