Dubai RTA Expands Terminal 1 Bridge to Ease Airport Traffic

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), working with Dubai Airports, has started a major upgrade to the bridge leading to Terminal 1 at Dubai International Airport.

The project aims to improve traffic flow, reduce delays, and make airport access smoother. With passenger numbers crossing 92 million in 2024, the upgrade comes at the right time to keep up with Dubai’s rapid growth.

Bigger and Better Access to the Airport

The main highlight of this project is the expansion of the Terminal 1 bridge. The bridge will be widened from three lanes to four. This is being done using a modern construction method that combines steel box girders with a concrete slab.

This method allows the bridge to be built quickly and safely, without blocking or diverting traffic on Airport Street. Drivers can continue using the road while construction is ongoing.

The bridge, including ramps, will be 171 metres long, with the main span reaching nearly 70 metres. Along with widening, the project also includes:

• New and stronger road paving.
• Upgrades to services and utilities beneath the road.
• Landscaping works to match the surrounding areas.
• Street lighting for better visibility and safety.

Once complete, the bridge will handle 5,600 vehicles per hour instead of 4,200—a 33% increase in traffic capacity. This means smoother journeys for thousands of travelers heading to the airport.

Improving Traffic and Passenger Journeys

Mattar Al Tayer, RTA’s Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, said the bridge expansion is part of Dubai’s vision to improve mobility.

He explained that the project is designed to:

• Reduce traffic jams around the airport.
• Cut travel times, especially during rush hours.
• Improve safety with better road design and lighting.
• Make passenger trips easier and more comfortable.

Al Tayer added that the upgrade will help strengthen Dubai’s reputation as a world leader in aviation and tourism. With Dubai International Airport ranked as the busiest airport for international passengers, these road improvements are vital for the city’s global role.

Why This Project Matters for Dubai

Dubai International Airport is not just a local hub. It is one of the most important aviation gateways in the world. Millions of passengers pass through every year, and smooth road access is key to their travel experience.

The Terminal 1 bridge expansion will:

• Ease peak-hour congestion, saving time for travelers.
• Support airport growth, keeping up with rising passenger numbers.
• Boost Dubai’s image, showing the city’s commitment to smart and modern infrastructure.

This project is not happening in isolation. It is part of a larger series of road upgrades around Dubai’s airport area.

Previous Upgrades on Airport Street

In the past few years, RTA has carried out several improvements on Airport Street. These included:

• New bridges and tunnels at Al Rashidiya.
• Major upgrades at Casablanca, Marrakech, and Nad Al Hamar Street intersections.
• A single-lane bridge to Terminal 3 that avoids signal lights.
• A new bridge giving access to the Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) complex.
• Another bridge connecting Airport Street directly to Casablanca Street without waiting at signals.
• An alternative route from Al Garhoud for easy access to Terminals 1 and 3.
• Expansion of Casablanca Street from three to four lanes near Al Garhoud Bridge.

These works have already helped cut congestion. The new Terminal 1 bridge project is the next big step in this ongoing journey.

Smarter Engineering for Faster Delivery

A key feature of this project is the choice of construction method. By using steel box girders with a composite slab, RTA ensures:

• Faster building time without major road closures.
• Minimal disruption for drivers and passengers.
• Strong and safe structure that will last for decades.
• Lower long-term maintenance and better durability.

This shows how Dubai combines engineering innovation with smart planning to deliver high-quality infrastructure.

Safety and Comfort for All Road Users

The upgrade is not only about more lanes. It also focuses on safety and comfort.

The project includes advanced street lighting systems that improve visibility at night. The smoother flow of vehicles will also reduce the risk of accidents.

For passengers, the main benefit will be shorter journey times to and from the airport. This is especially important for those catching flights, as every minute counts during peak hours.

Supporting Dubai’s Growth as a Global Hub

Dubai has always aimed to stay ahead with modern infrastructure. The bridge expansion project supports the city’s goals in many ways:

• Tourism: Millions of visitors arrive through Dubai International Airport every year. Smooth access improves their first experience of the city.
• Business travel: Faster road connections help executives and professionals save time.
• Trade and events: Dubai regularly hosts global conferences and exhibitions. Easy transport supports these activities.

By investing in projects like this, Dubai is making sure its transport system matches its global ambitions.

What’s Next for Dubai’s Roads and Mobility

The Terminal 1 bridge upgrade is just one part of Dubai’s future mobility plans. RTA continues to focus on:

• Smart transport systems, including real-time traffic monitoring.
• Sustainable solutions, such as electric public transport and greener road designs.
• New road expansions in busy areas to meet the needs of a growing population.

All these projects support the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which aims to make Dubai one of the best cities in the world to live and travel in.