The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has inaugurated two bridges aimed at significantly reducing traffic congestion in the capital. The AED 315 million project is set to cut delays by 80% during peak morning hours, benefiting thousands of daily commuters.
Transforming Abu Dhabi’s Transportation Network
The newly launched bridges connect Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street with Shakhbout Bin Sultan Street towards Mussafah, enhancing connectivity to major destinations such as Zayed International Airport and Hudayriyat Island. Designed to accommodate a staggering 7,500 vehicles per hour, the infrastructure is expected to alleviate traffic stress in one of the city’s busiest areas.
The development includes a three-lane flyover bridge on Khaleej Al Arabi Street and a two-lane bridge linking Shakhbout Bin Sultan Street to Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street. In addition, dedicated pedestrian and cycling paths further underline Abu Dhabi’s commitment to modern, multimodal transport solutions.
“This new infrastructure exemplifies DMT’s mission to create a seamless, connected, and liveable city through multiple modes of modern transportation while alleviating congestion, cutting journey times, improving transport safety, and protecting our environment,” said Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of DMT.
Engineering Excellence and Safety First
Spanning 742 metres with a surface area of 10,242 square metres, the bridges incorporate 990-metre ramps supported by 12 piers. The project required 15,354 cubic metres of concrete and upgraded 46,000 square metres of street landscaping, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal.
DMT also prioritised safety, completing the construction with three million safe man-hours and zero lost time incidents. The infrastructure features 61 streetlights to enhance visibility and safety.
Supporting Abu Dhabi’s Rapid Growth
The upgraded intersection reduces peak delays to just 20 seconds and integrates provisions for future projects, including an underpass. The initiative is part of Abu Dhabi’s broader vision to accommodate rapid economic and population growth.
“It is fitting that this new infrastructure, delivered on time and budget, opens as we welcome 2025 – a year where a wave of transformative projects will be unveiled to accommodate Abu Dhabi’s rapid economic growth. This is only the very beginning. By working together with all stakeholders, DMT will accelerate the provision of the smart and sustainable infrastructure required by a growing population to move seamlessly through our city,” Al Shorafa added.
With this project, Abu Dhabi reinforces its position as a global leader in urban development, paving the way for a smarter, more sustainable future.
