5,222 hours spent on routine and corrective maintenance on Al Maktoum Bridge in 2023

Dubai: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has confirmed that Al Maktoum Bridge, the oldest bridge in Dubai connecting Deira and Bur Dubai, undergoes comprehensive yearly maintenance to ensure its sustainability and efficiency in managing traffic. As part of RTA’s commitment to enhance infrastructure and keep pace with Dubai’s development, the maintenance plan is structured into five phases: daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual major overhaul. The majority of these activities are scheduled during bridge closures after midnight twice a week to minimize disruptions and prioritize public safety.

Abdulla Al Ali, CEO of RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency, highlighted the importance of employing innovative maintenance techniques to extend the lifespan and improve the condition of assets like Al Maktoum Bridge. In 2023, RTA conducted 104 routine and corrective maintenance operations, investing around 5,222 working hours to ensure smooth traffic flow on the bridge, which handles up to 22,000 vehicles per hour in both directions.

Major maintenance works between 2014 and 2022 included the replacement of the main hydraulic cylinder and pipes, comprehensive inspections of structural conditions, and the application of anti-slip paint. Al Maktoum Bridge, a sophisticated movable bridge with hydraulic pumps, facilitates maritime navigation in Dubai Creek. It undergoes daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly routine inspections, including checks on key components like electric generators, hydraulic pipes, and emergency systems.

Annual maintenance involves an international team inspecting civil and structural components, complemented by skilled divers ensuring the safety of underwater foundations. The comprehensive approach emphasizes RTA’s dedication to seamless and sustainable mobility, aligning with its vision of being a world leader in transportation.

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