The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has commenced the overall maintenance work on the raisable sections of Al Maktoum Bridge in Dubai. This project is line with the Authority’s commitment to carrying out regular maintenance work on all bridges, tunnels and roads in the Emirate. The project includes the use of sophisticated technology and equipments for the maintenance of the metal sections and also the rolling segments which allow the raising of the bridge for ships to navigate the Dubai Creek.
Sultan Alkhafili, Head of the Maintenance Department at RTA said, “The on-going maintenance work reflects our commitment to keep the roads and transport network in Dubai in the best condition, at mimimum cost and in compliance with the highest standards of safety and quality. This is the first time a maintenance project of this scale is being undertaken on the Al Maktoum Bridge. We have removed the existing paint through sandblasting and repainted the areas that have shown signs of corrosion.”
After reviewing the results of the laboratory tests conducted to assess the condition of the rolling segments and the metal sections of the bridge, three layers of paint were applied to protect the steel. The maintenance work, which began in January this year, will be completed by the end of May 2006.
“Al Maktoum Bridge, which is an integral part of Dubai’s road network, was built in the year 1963 when it had only one lane in both directions. In 1965, excavation work commenced in Dubai Creek to provide the necessary depth for the growing marine traffic. Five years later, a raisable section was added to the bridge to give way for ships to pass underneath to reach Jadaf Dubai,” added Alkhafili.
Keeping pace with the rapid developments in the business and real estate sector in Dubai, the bridge was widened in 1975, making it a vital element of Dubai’s transport system.
