Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has confirmed that construction of the Dhs 475 million ($129.3 million) Bluewater Islands access bridges project is currently 85 per cent complete. The project, being undertaken by the RTA along with developer Meraas, is set for completion in December this year, a statement said. The bridges will offer access to the upcoming tourist development – Bluewaters Island, linked with the JBR Interchange 5.5 on the Sheikh Zayed Road. Mattar Al Tayer, director-general and chairman of the RTA confirmed that each main bridge will include two lanes in both directions stretching 1400 metres in length and 25 metres in width. "The bridges include two lanes of 5.5 meters in width designated for the planned automated personal rapid transit [monorail] system to ease the mobility of visitors from and to the metro station (Nakheel Harbour and Tower) on Sheikh Zayed Road," he said. "The project also includes the construction of ramps and a two-lane bridge from Dubai to the ssland, and a single-lane ramp from Al Khail Road," stated Al Tayer. A footbridge will also be constructed to link the island with the waterfront of the JBR, and a teleferic (cable car) will shuttle visitors from and to the entertainment zone within the island. "Project construction works also include road connections, lighting, bridges and other infrastructure works such as the shifting of impacted utility lines, as well as the construction of new ones for power, water, irrigation, sewage, and telecommunications among others," Al Tayer added. Overlooking Jumeirah Beach Residences (JBR), the Bluewaters Island project will include retail, residential, hospitality and entertainment zones. It will also host a boutique five-star hotel, residential options and a bespoke souq with a promenade that will offer alfresco dining outlets. The island will also feature the world's largest ferris wheel – called Ain Dubai – and is hoping to attract over three million visitors per annum. Source: Gulf Business
