The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has affirmed that Al Maktoum Bridge undergoes comprehensive yearly maintenance to ensure its sustainability and effectiveness in managing traffic.
As the oldest bridge in Dubai, Al Maktoum is vital for commuting between Deira and Bur Dubai. Dubai authorities emphasise the ongoing maintenance plans for Maktoum Bridge.
RTA consistently seeks to improve bridge infrastructure, main roads, and the transportation system, aligning with Dubai’s current and future development as articulated in RTA’s vision: The World Leader in Seamless and Sustainable Mobility.
Maintenance of Al Maktoum Bridge is executed through a structured plan comprising five phased intervals:
- Daily preventive and routine maintenance
- Weekly maintenance
- Monthly maintenance
- Quarterly preventive and routine maintenance
- Annual major overhaul
Most of these activities occur during bridge closure after midnight twice a week to minimize traffic disruption and uphold public safety.
Abdulla Al Ali, CEO of RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency, stated, “Al Maktoum Bridge, inaugurated in 1962, is one of the five oldest crossings over Dubai Creek, and RTA employs innovative maintenance techniques to enhance traffic efficiency and extend asset lifespan.”
In 2023, RTA conducted 104 routine and corrective maintenance operations on Al Maktoum Bridge, totaling approximately 5,222 working hours. The bridge, handling up to 22,000 vehicles per hour in both directions, underwent 14 major maintenance works between 2014 and 2022.
These works involved replacing the main hydraulic cylinder, hydraulic systems pipes, valves, sensors, and their accessories. Anti-slip paint application on moving bridge surfaces, structural evaluations of underwater metal curtains, and comprehensive inspections were part of the bridge’s maintenance.
Al Maktoum Bridge Enhances Maritime Navigation in Dubai Creek with Hydraulic Systems
Al Maktoum Bridge, equipped with hydraulic pumps enabling its opening and closing, facilitates maritime navigation in Dubai Creek, supporting ships and boats to pass underneath.
Daily routine maintenance includes checking key components like the main electric generator, brake pedals, hydraulic pipes, and inspecting for oil leakage. Weekly tasks involve cleaning and inspecting hydraulic switches, ensuring emergency diesel engine functionality, and lubricating bridge crane master cylinders.
Monthly activities encompass air conditioning unit inspections, checks on bridge expansion joints and gaps, inspection and lubrication of mechanical connections on brake levers and drive chains, and examination of bearing plates in upper lock boxes.
Quarterly maintenance checks oil levels, lubricating flow, condition of fender shackles, ropes, metal curtain fasteners, and integrity of metal curtain walls.
Annually, an international team conducts comprehensive maintenance and inspections, complemented by skilled divers focusing on safety for the metal curtains surrounding the bridge’s underwater foundations, according to Arabian Business.
