Dubai's RTA Expands Terminal 1 Access Bridge for Improved Traffic Flow and Safety

Dubai's RTA has signed a contract with Dubai Aviation City Corporation (DACC) to upgrade the access bridge to Terminal 1. The project aims to improve traffic flow, minimize journey time, and accommodate rising passenger numbers. The bridge will be expanded from three lanes to four, and will measure 171m in length. The upgrade is expected to boost the bridge's capacity by 33%.

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed a contract with Dubai Aviation City Corporation (DACC) to upgrade the access bridge leading to Terminal 1 of Dubai International Airport. The project aims to enhance traffic flow, minimize journey times, and accommodate the airport's continuous growth in passenger numbers, which exceeded 92 million in 2024.

The bridge expansion project involves widening the existing three-lane bridge to four lanes by constructing a new bridge using an innovative system of steel box girders integrated with a composite concrete slab. This engineering solution was selected for its high structural efficiency, enabling the project to be completed within a short timeframe without the need for traffic diversions or temporary supports beneath the bridge. The total length of the bridge, including its ramps, is 171 meters, with the main span extending nearly 70 meters. The project also includes road pavement improvements, upgrades to infrastructure services, and landscaping works to integrate with the surrounding infrastructure, as well as new street lighting to enhance safety and visibility.

The upgrade is expected to boost the bridge's capacity from 4,200 to 5,600 vehicles per hour, a 33% increase. This will significantly improve safety and reduce journey times during peak hours, especially given the airport's status as the world's busiest for international passengers.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, emphasized RTA's commitment to developing Dubai's road and transport infrastructure. He noted that the bridge expansion is part of RTA's ongoing efforts to improve traffic flow and strengthen connectivity between major corridors and vital facilities, such as Dubai International Airport.

In recent years, RTA has upgraded Airport Street, from its intersection with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road to Casablanca Street. This project included the construction of bridges and tunnels at Al Rashidiya, as well as at intersections with Casablanca Street, Marrakech Street, and Nad Al Hamar Street, alongside enhancements to surface-level junctions. The improvements also included a single-lane bridge providing direct access to Terminal 3 without stopping at signalized intersections, another bridge leading to the Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) complex, and an additional bridge enabling traffic from Airport Street towards Casablanca Street without waiting at signals. An alternative route was also created for vehicles from Al Garhoud to access Terminals 1 and 3 directly, while Casablanca Street was expanded from three to four lanes toward Al Garhoud Bridge.

References:
[1] https://www.zawya.com/en/business/transport-and-logistics/rta-awards-contract-to-widen-bridge-leading-to-terminal-1-of-dubai-international-airport-wmp2hgxe
[2] https://gulfnews.com/uae/transport/easing-traffic-rta-to-widen-key-bridge-to-dubai-airport-terminal-1-1.500243458