Less than one year after construction began, the outstanding ten lane bridge leading to The Palm Jumeirah is more than 80 per cent complete. The tremendous size and Arabesque architectural features of the Gateway Bridge will create a grand and imposing entrance to The Palm Jumeirah that will thrill every visitor arriving at the eighth wonder of the world.

Scheduled for completion in November 2005, the design for The Gateway Bridge comprises two five-lane bridges, the North Bridge and the South Bridge (one in each direction), each 360 metres in length and 26 metres across. The bridges will link directly to Sheikh Zayed Road from the Soufah Interchange, which is currently being constructed near The Palm Jumeirah.

The design of the ten lane bridge is a stunning and wholly appropriate entry point onto the iconic Palm Jumeirah project.

When completed the bridge will define the project as the world`s most remarkable property development, said Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem. Aside from the incredible design, the purpose of the bridge is to ensure quick and easy access to the island, providing a state-of-the-art transport artery that services the many residential and commercial facilities on The Palm Jumeirah such as hotels, shopping malls, hospitals and other facilities.

The superstructure for each bridge consists of six spans of 60 metres. The structure for the North Bridge is in place for the full 360 metres in length. The superstructure for the South Bridge is complete for five of the six spans with only 15 percent of work left to complete on the sixth span.

The design concept was created by H2L2, which has been involved in the world`s most memorable bridge structures such as the East Span of the San Francisco and Oakland Bay Bridge, and The Benjamin Franklin Bridge in Philadelphia. The design for The Gateway Bridge reflects detailed architectural features which enhance the entrance to The Palm Jumeirah, including steel space frames with fabric and old world Arabic style monuments which will be installed at each bridge pier.