A Denmark-based design consultant has submitted plans for the first bridge across the Red Sea, linking Yemen and Djibouti. According to a report in UAE-based newspaper, The National, Cowi has been employed to design the first phase of the 28.5km link, which is being developed by Dubai’s Middle East Development and is estimated to cost AED51.4 billion (US$14 billion). The bridge will carry vehicles and trains and include a natural gas pipeline, the report stated. The project will also include a city at either end of the bridge, bringing the total project cost to AED734 billion. The cities are being developed by Al-Noor Cities, a subsidiary of Middle East Development.
“We completed the designs six months ago,” Cowi’s Managing Director, Jesper Damgaard, was quoted saying. However he added that potential problems lie ahead.
“It is an extremely challenging project as it will cross the busiest navigational channel in the world. Apart from the navigational issues, the sea depth is about 300 metres, plus it’s an area of considerable seismic activity. All of these have to be considered.”
If the bridge goes ahead, it will be completed in phases over seven to 15 years, the report said.