His Excellency Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), has inaugurated a new bridge connecting Bani Yas East and Bani Yas West in Abu Dhabi.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by His Excellency Dr. Salem Khalfan Al Kaabi, Director General of Operational Affairs at the DMT, and His Excellency Saif Badr Al Qubaisi, Director General of Abu Dhabi City Municipality, along with various other executives and officials.

Situated on Abu Dhabi Al Ain Road (E22), the new highway significantly improves traffic flow to and from Bani Yas and other nearby areas. It reduces travel time from 11 minutes to just three minutes for residents traveling between East to West Bani Yas.

The interchange can accommodate around 1,400 vehicles per hour traveling from E22 Abu Dhabi / Al Ain and 1,100 vehicles per hour traveling from East or West Bani Yas.

The project includes the construction of the upper intersection linking East and West Bani Yas, as well as associated roads, the transformation of the current East Bani Yas roundabout into a light signal intersection, as well as the construction of pedestrian ramps. The project also involved demolishing existing pedestrian tunnels, the transport and protection of water and communication lines, irrigation lines and the sewage line, as well as street lighting and the electricity distribution network.

His Excellency Dr. Salem Khalfan Al Kaabi said: "The new bridge in Abu Dhabi marks a significant milestone for Abu Dhabi, connecting communities and providing improved accessibility for residents and visitors alike. Its innovative design and state-of-the-art features demonstrate Abu Dhabi's commitment to modernity and progress, while also enhancing the city's infrastructure and promoting economic growth.”

The project also includes the construction of the main bridge consisting of concrete slab and external and internal pillars, the construction of two bridges consisting of a single sea slab, pillars and foundations, as well as the construction of a CCTV system, traffic lights, pedestrian signs, fibre optic cables and connectivity to the Abu Dhabi Traffic Management Centre, as well as the implementation of natural cosmetics, sanitation and speed camera transmissions.

The interchange features 210 energy-saving lighting poles and the asphalt area used in the project is 195,580 square metres. The bridge is one of the strategic infrastructure projects aimed at providing world-class infrastructure, enhancing community welfare, and creating a business-friendly environment that ensures the best possible quality of life for the emirate's citizens, residents and visitors.