The $800 million Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Crossing, also known as Sixth Crossing, is designed to be the longest and tallest spanning arch bridge in the world. It features a simple arch structure, which is considered to be the most basic of structural solutions for spanning great distances.
The entire bridge is one mile long; east span with 1,246 feet length and west span with 2,000 feet length. The bridge is 200 feet longer than the current record holder for world’s longest spanning arch bridge: China’s Chaotianmen Bridge. Six car lanes will pass through the bridge in each direction, along with two light-rail tracks. Pedestrian walkways will be placed underneath the deck to shade walkers from the scorching sun.
The 1.7km bridge features two separate arches and converges on an artificial island, instead of crossing the water in a single span. The structure touches the earth in the middle and leaps upward to form the second arch. The arch touches the ground to frame the opera house on a neighboring island – a project recently awarded to British Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid. This design has been integrated in order not to obstruct views of the future opera house.
This distinct arch design is influenced by the Middle Eastern culture, topography, light, and script of the region. The rhythmic lines of the structure have been inspired by the refined patterns of Arabic calligraphy. The curvy form resembles the sand mounds.
The bridge, slated for completion by 2012, will link the localities of Al Jaddaf and Bur Dubai, a historic district in Dubai. It will have six lanes of traffic in each direction and will be able to carry 20,000 vehicles per hour. In the center will be a track for Dubai Metro’s Green Line.
Fxfowle’s design for the Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Crossing was selected through an international competition sponsored by the emirate’s roads and transport authority. The firm is working with structural engineering firm Parson Transportation on the project.
Fxfowle is a commercial interior design, architecture and planning firm based in New York, providing interior, building design and planning services. The firm opened an affiliate office in Dubai in 2005.
