Al Garhoud Bridge
To solve the major traffic problems caused by the old bridge, a replacement was constructed in 2008. The bridge, which cost 415 million dirhams,[2] is meant to add more lanes of road that cross Dubai Creek. The new Al Garhoud Bridge has a total of 14 lanes, 7 in each direction.[2] It is able to handle 16,000 vehicles per hour.[2] Construction of the bridge began in February 2006 and by 26 September 2007, 76% of the construction was completed.[2] The bridge is 520 metres (1,706 ft) long and 16 metres (52.5 ft) above the water.[2] On 15 December 2007, four lanes on the Deira-bound side were opened to vehicle traffic.[4] Then on 15 March 2008, as had been scheduled,[2] remaining lanes on both sides were opened.[5] The old bridge was demolished after the new bridge opened.[3][4] Shortly after the bridge opened, the Roads and Transport Authority announced that Al Garhoud Bridge would be decorated with artwork that look like sand dunes during the day and waves at night with the aid of lighting.[6]
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