New Dubai Creek crossing approved

The design of the seventh crossing to span Dubai, United Arab Emirates' Creek has been approved by the tiny emirates' ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The bridge, which is designed to ease the city's appalling traffic congestion, will cost AED 810 million (US$ 220 million). It will be located near Dubai Creek Park, Wonderland Park and Dubai Courts at Bur Dubai, and Deira City Centre and Dubai Golf Club at Deira, according to the Emirates News Agency, WAM, (Wakalat Anba'a al-Emarat).

The design, which thanks to its inverted metal arch has already been dubbed the ‘Dubai Smile' bridge, was chosen following an international competition and "best reflected the rocketing urban development of Dubai," a Road Traffic Authority (RTA) statement said.

The crossing, which will replace Dubai's Floating Bridge, is 61.6 m wide with a 100 m-high arch. Consisting of 12 lanes (six in each direction) will be capable of handling 24000 vehicles an hour.