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Curved pedestrian bridge with glass sides and blue beams, adjacent to modern buildings.Curved pedestrian bridge with glass sides and blue beams, adjacent to modern buildings.

Pedestrian Bridges Design and Supervision

CDM Smith delivered design and construction supervision services for three pedestrian bridges at key urban locations in Dubai to enhance safe pedestrian mobility. 

Client Name

Roads & Transport Authority

Location

Dubai, UAE

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Francesco Marino
Francesco Marino PhD
Structures Team Leader

Design and construction supervision of pedestrian bridges across major Dubai corridors

CDM Smith provided full pre- and post-contract consultancy services for three pedestrian bridges in Dubai. Engineering services included pedestrian movement studies, architectural and structural design, E&M systems and construction supervision. We evaluated accessibility, safety and operational needs, ensuring each bridge integrates seamlessly with surrounding urban, traffic and transit environments. 

User-focused mobility and safety planning 

Comprehensive studies of pedestrian flows, accessibility needs and multimodal movement shaped bridge designs. Enhancement elements such as ramps, lifts, shading, safety fencing and improved sidewalks ensure safe, convenient and barrier-free access at all locations. 

Iconic architectural and structural design 

The JBR pedestrian bridge is Dubai’s first iconic pedestrian bridge crossing, with an 80-meter span crossing over a major junction. Its form enhances the Dubai Marina district while delivering safe crossings, structural efficiency, high visibility and a memorable experience for residents and visitors. 

Coordination with transit and service authorities 

We worked closely with RTA Rail Agency and local utilities to ensure design compatibility with Dubai tram operations and adjacent service corridors. Clearances, No-Objection Certificates and conflict resolution were managed throughout the project lifecycle. 

Constructability solutions for complex urban sites 

Limited right-of-way and dense utilities influenced pier placement and foundation design. Segmental construction and careful traffic management strategies were developed to enable safe installation with minimal disruption to roadway and tram operations. 

Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) appointed CDM Smith to provide pre- and post-contract consultancy services for three pedestrian bridges located at Dubai Marina (JBR), Khalid Bin Waleed Street and Al Marabea Street. The scope of work included pedestrian movement studies, architectural concept design, structural engineering, electromechanical system design and full construction supervision. CDM Smith assessed pedestrian, cyclist and accessibility needs, visual impacts, signage visibility and compliance with Dubai tram operational requirements. The JBR bridge, an 80-meter span and the first of its kind to cross over an intersection in Dubai with four landing points, required innovative design and precise coordination. Site constraints, utilities and limited right-of-way necessitated optimized pier foundations and carefully staged construction. Segmental fabrication and detailed traffic management plans ensure safe installation with minimal disruption. We continue to support RTA with design, coordination and supervision to deliver safe, attractive and functional pedestrian connections. 

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Person in a suit with arms crossed, standing in a modern office with plants and big windows.

Francesco Marino

Structures Team Leader

Francesco is a structural design leader with 20 years’ experience in bridges and complex infrastructure, driving automation and delivering high-quality multidisciplinary solutions.

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