Construction of bridges to island of Dubai Eye begins

The Board of Directors of Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) recently awarded a Dh475-million contract for the construction of bridges leading to Bluewaters Island.

Meraas Holding's Bluewaters Island — just off the coastline of Jumeirah Beach Residences — is expected to be one of Dubai's premier tourist attractions. The island will be home to the Dubai Eye, a 210-metre Ferris wheel. Additionally, the island will contain a five-star hotel and a bespoke souk encircled by a promenade of dining options.

Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA, said construction has already begun on the project, which will provide slipways leading to the JBR interchange 5.5 on Shaikh Zayed Road. The entrance to the island comprises a 1,400-metre long main bridge with two lanes in either direction, as well two lanes designated for an automated transit system for visitors going to or from the Nakheel Harbour and Tower Metro Station.

"The bridge will provide free movement for motorists inbound from Abu Dhabi on the Shaikh Zayed Road heading towards Bluewaters Island, and those inbound from Al Khail Road through Qarn Al Sabkha Street heading towards the Island,” he said. "It will also provide free traffic movement from the island to Dubai and Abu Dhabi via the Shaikh Zayed Road.”

Additionally, Tayer said, the project will include the installation of road connections, lighting, bridges and infrastructure works and the extension of new power, water, irrigation, sewage and telecommunications lines.

"The project will be served by a personal rapid transit system to lift visitors from the Metro station to the festivities area. A footbridge will be constructed to link the luxury island with the waterfront of the JBR, and a teleferic (cable car) to shuttle visitors from and to the entertainment zone,” Al Tayer said.