• Source: Al Maktoum Bridge

      • Al Maktoum Bridge (in Arabic: جسر آل مكتوم; also known in Arabic as جسر المكتوم) is a bridge that crosses Dubai Creek in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is one of six crossings on the creek and was the first bridge/crossing in Dubai. The others are Al Shindagha Tunnel, Floating Bridge, Al Garhoud Bridge and Business Bay Crossing. The Dubai Metro also goes under the creek.


      History


      Opened in 1963, this bridge enabled people to cross from Bur Dubai to Deira, or vice versa, without using a boat ferry called Abra or going all the way around Dubai Creek. To pay for the bridge, a toll was applied to vehicles crossing the creek going from Deira to Bur Dubai. There was no toll for people travelling in the other direction. Once the bridge was fully paid for in 1973, the toll was removed.
      The bridge, and roads leading to it, underwent a widening in 2007. The bridge was widened to increase the bridge's capacity and to ease congestion. Before the bridge open the peak hour traffic was 8,000 vehicles per hour in the Deira-Bur Dubai direction and in opposite direction the traffic was 8,500 vehicles per hour. The new lanes were opened on 7 November 2007. Currently, traffic flow on the bridge handles up to 22,000 vehicles per hour in both directions.
      The road toll (called Salik), was re-introduced on the Al Maktoum Bridge on 9 September 2008 for both directions. The toll will not be charged when the Floating Bridge is closed (from 10pm to 6am from Monday to Saturday, and for the whole day on Sundays).
      In 2024, Dubai's Roads and Transportation Authority (RTA) revealed a detailed maintenance plan to continue RTA's vision of being "the world leader in seamless and sustainable mobility." Their five-point schedule includes daily preventive and routine maintenance, weekly maintenance, monthly maintenance, quarterly preventive and routine maintenance, and annual major overhaul of the bridge. The bulk of these maintenance activities are scheduled during the closure of the bridge, after midnight twice a week.


      Structural Features


      Al Maktoum Bridge is notable for its hydraulic mechanisms that allow it to open for maritime traffic, a feature that is essential for accommodating larger vessels navigating Dubai Creek. This capability is supported by a sophisticated system of hydraulic pumps and sensors, ensuring the bridge can operate smoothly and safely.
      The bridge's design incorporates several safety and operational checks, including inspections of hydraulic systems, electrical connections, and structural integrity. The RTA employs advanced maintenance techniques to extend the lifespan of the bridge and enhance traffic efficiency.This ongoing work involves structural inspections, reinforcement, and updates to withstand wear and tear from both daily traffic and environmental conditions. The planned closures allow the RTA to conduct these necessary improvements without disrupting peak travel times.


      References

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