Bridge taking form

Formwork from Doka is enabling the rapid construction of a complex multi-level bridge designed to provide safe access for millions of pilgrims taking part in a key Islamic ritual in the Saudi Arabian city of Mina.

The project involves rebuilding of the Jamrat Bridge, which provides access for pilgrims to throw stones at three pillars in a ritual that is part of the annual Islamic Hajj pilgrimage to nearby Mecca.

There can be more than a million people congregating around the area at peak times, which led to dangerous overcrowding and fatalities under the original system. Various solutions had been tried including the construction of a single deck bridge. Replacing this with the multi-storey bridge now under construction will greatly increase capacity and improve safety.”

Contractor Saudi Binladen Group is casting some 450000m³ of concrete to create the bridge structure. Work began in January 2006 and completion is due in October 2008.

Doka's Waell Bulbul and Mohammed Haneefa said, “The project was particularly challenging because of the short delivery time required for such a huge quantity of formwork.”