Work starts on bridge projects for Dubai's $1.6bn Bluewaters Island

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has started work on a AED475 million (£82.56 million) project to link the mainland to a new island that is currently being constructed, which will be in close proximity to The First Group's two developments in Dubai Marina: Wyndham Dubai Marina and TFG ONE Hotel, Dubai Marina.

Bluewaters Island, developed by Meraas Holding, is being built just off the coast off the Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) district and is sure to be a big hit with the millions of tourists that visit the emirate every year.

The project will cost approximately $1.6 billion (£1.02 billion) to construct and will include the 'Dubai Eye', a record-breaking 210-metre tall Ferris wheel that surpasses its counterparts in London and other cities around the world.

According to the RTA, the contract for bridges to connect the tourist-focused island with mainland Dubai has already been awarded and work has commenced.

The building contract includes a main two-lane bridge that stretches across 1,400 metres, as well as crossings for an automated personal rapid transit system that will connect Bluewaters with the Nakheel Harbour and Tower metro station.

Commenting on the bridges, Mattar Al Tayer, chairman and executive director of the RTA, said: "The project also includes the construction of road connections, lighting, bridges and infrastructure work.

“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.”

Bluewaters is expected to attract more than three million tourists every year, which will help Dubai achieve its goal of luring 20 million visitors annually by 2020. It will include retail, residential, hospitality and entertainment zones.