UAE's Dh18m steel arch bridge bags Guinness record

Ras Al Khaimah - The 32.37m Shamal Bridge is part of the Ras Al Khaimah ring road.

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development has entered the Guinness World Records with the longest steel arch bridge in the world that stands at Dh18 million.

The 32.37 metres Shamal Bridge is part of the Ras Al Khaimah ring road the ministry has recently accomplished, according to Dr Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, ministry of infrastructure development.

The Shamal bridge in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah is now 6.37 metres longer than the used-to-be longest cable-stayed steel arch bridge in Poland which is only 26 metres long.

"The Shamal arch steel bridge that can accommodate up to 2,000 vehicles per hour is much better than concrete bridges in terms of economic advantages."

It has been completed in half the time needed for regular concrete bridges, he added.

"The bridge, with a life time of 104 years, does not need any regular maintenance as is the case with other bridges, and can take up heavy weights."

The new arch bridge is part of the second phase of the Emirates road which links the northern emirate with the entire country, he pointed out.

"Arch steel structures consist of corrugated iron sheets that are installed as per pre-approved designs in view of project requirements."

The sheets of steel iron are then manufactured, coated and plated in the factory, he elaborated. "These plates and accessories are then transported to the required site in special containers for installation."

Recently, the ministry has completed the construction of the Awafi bridge, the biggest in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, on the same ring road.

"The six-lane bridge is being built on the arterial 30km RAK ring road, according to Eng Ahmed Al Hammadi, director of road department at the ministry.

"The RAK ring road, connecting the northern and southern parts of the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, stands at Dh450 million."

The Awafi bridge will give visitors and campers easy and convenient access to one of the main heritage scenic sites in the country, he explained. "This big bridge consists of six lanes; three in each direction. Two more lanes, one in each direction, can be added later if needed."

"As such, the ministry will be completing six bridges, six subways, and lots of rain water tunnels, on the RAK ring road."

Some entries will also be developed as per public request, he pointed out. "Up to 7km of the ring road that connects it with the Emirates road, will be paved as well."

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Ras Al Khaimah