A new bridge which eases entry to the Sharjah Airport, part of a new 1,200-metre road network for the airport, has been opened.

 

The ceremony took place in the presence of Ali Bin Shaheen Al Suwaidi, chairman of the Directorate of Public Works (DPW), and Ali Salim Al Midfa, chairman of the Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA), said a Wam news agency report.

 

The new bridge was built at a cost of Dh85 million ($23.14 million).

 

The Directorate of Public Works completed the road network, including the suspended bridge that extends more than 330 m, providing direct access to Sharjah Airport for passengers travelling from Sharjah and other emirates.

 

Commenting on the opening of the bridge, Al Midfa, said: "The project of developing the new entrance to Sharjah Airport comes within the framework of the comprehensive plan developed by the SAA, under the directives of HH Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and the close attention of HH Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Executive Council, in order to accommodate the expected growth in the number of passengers travelling through the airport in the coming years.

 

"The comprehensive plan includes the construction of the bridge and the development of an alternative road, which is approximately 2.1 km long, along two tracks that will run into four routes, which will contribute to the upgrading of roads leading to the airport. It also includes construction of more than 1,000 additional parking spaces, in addition to a rainwater drainage network in the parking area and the area near the airport," he said.

 

The project will reduce pressure on the current bridge utilised by airport users and residents in surrounding areas, and ease the entry and exit of passengers and road users by separating the movement of travellers from the surrounding residential areas, as well as reducing congestion due to the large number of vehicles in the area during the morning and afternoon peak hours, he added.