Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has successfully completed a major infrastructure upgrade at Dubai International Airport (DXB), announcing the inauguration of an expanded bridge leading to Terminal 1 on Saturday, January 17, 2026. The strategic enhancement increases traffic lanes from three to four, substantially elevating the bridge’s capacity from 4,200 to 5,600 vehicles per hour—representing a significant 33% improvement in traffic throughput.
The infrastructure project, developed in collaboration with Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP), employed innovative engineering solutions to minimize disruption. RTA utilized steel box girders integrated with a composite concrete deck, enabling accelerated construction without requiring traffic diversions on Airport Street or temporary support installations. This approach maintained uninterrupted traffic flow while adhering to the highest safety standards throughout the construction phase.
Beyond lane expansion, the comprehensive project included road pavement enhancements, utility infrastructure upgrades, and extensive landscaping works. New street lighting systems were installed to improve visibility and safety for all motorists. RTA officials emphasized that the expansion directly addresses congestion issues, enhancing traffic flow to the airport terminal, reducing journey times, and improving overall customer experience for travelers and airport users.
The initiative, initially announced in August of the previous year, forms part of RTA’s broader strategy to enhance road network efficiency and improve connectivity between major transportation corridors and key facilities across Dubai. This infrastructure improvement demonstrates the emirate’s ongoing commitment to maintaining world-class transportation systems capable of supporting its status as a global aviation hub.