Dubai’s RTA Awards Dhs475m Contract For Mega Bluewaters Island Project

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced that it has awarded a contract worth Dhs475 million to link the upcoming mega $1.6 billion Bluewaters Island project to the mainland.

The contract will involve building a bridge and related services to connect the project, which is located off the coast of the Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), a statement said. It did not specify who the contract was awarded to.

Mattar Al Tayer, chairman and executive director of the RTA said: “Construction works have recently started in the project which is intended to provide slipways leading to JBR Interchange 5.5 on the Sheikh Zayed Road.”

The entrance to the island comprises a main bridge with two lanes in each direction stretching 1400 meters in length and 25 meters in width, the RTA said.

The contract includes the construction of two lanes, measuring 5.5 meters in width, designated for an automated personal rapid transit system connecting passengers to the Nakheel Harbour & Tower metro station on Sheikh Zayed Road.

“The bridge will provide free movement for motorists inbound from Abu Dhabi on the Sheikh Zayed Road heading towards Bluewaters Island, and those inbound from Al Khail Road through Qarn Al Sabkha Street,” said Al Tayer.

“It will also provide free traffic movement from the island to Dubai and Abu Dhabi via Sheikh Zayed Road.”

The contract also includes the construction of road connections, lighting, bridges and infrastructure works including the shifting of impacted utility lines and extending the required new service lines such as power, water, irrigation, sewage, and telecommunications among others.

“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,” stated Al Tayer.

The mega mixed-use project, approved in February 2013, will include retail, residential, hospitality and entertainment zones. It will also feature Dubai Eye – a Ferris wheel set to be the largest of its kind in the world, a boutique five-star hotel – Venu by Jumeirah, and a bespoke souq encircled by a promenade with alfresco dining outlets .

The island is anticipated to attract more than three million visitors per annum when complete.

“The new bridge meets the needs of Bluewaters Island which promises to be one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the UAE,” Al Tayer added.