KEO and InSite complete Dubai’s new Bluewaters Bridge
Team collaborated with Besix to deliver the striking 77m-spanning project
KEO International Consultants’ Infrastructure operations and its master planning, urban design and landscape architecture division InSite have completed the delivery of the Bluewaters Pedestrian Bridge, which is part of MERAAS’ Bluewaters Island development.
The striking 77m-span box-girder bridge project is intended to form a link between Meraas’ The Beach opposite JBR and its Bluewaters waterfront resort where visitors can ride the world’s tallest and largest observation wheel, Ain Dubai.
Collaborating with Besix, the KEO and InSite team was tasked with performing as the Engineer of Record on the project and handled responsibilities such as running a third party check for the bridge design, designing MEP electrical and drainage systems, as well as designing landscaping and maritime signage.
“KEO and InSite are proud be involved as part of the design team for this exciting structure, fulfilling the roles of Engineer of Record, third party reviewer and landscape architects,” said Chris Fannin, managing director of InSite. “This remarkable project is a culmination of great team effort and collaboration with GRID-Portugal and Besix Group. At InSite we are committed to offering our Clients unparalleled urban design, master planning and landscape architecture services and contributing to transformational projects in the region such as the Bluewaters.”
According to KEO and InSite, the pedestrian journey was carefully considered during the design process: “The total length of the pedestrian journey, from one end to the other is approximately 265m via the InSite-designed boardwalk. Palm tree shaded ‘seating nooks’ with Iroko clad built-in seats, were also provided as rest areas on the bridge. Each of these two platforms has breathtaking vistas through the glass balustrade to Ain Dubai, The Beach, JBR, as well as down to the turquoise water below through the open slots of the steel grating floor. From a distance, the palm trees planted on this light weight structure can appear to levitate, like green islands above the channel, creating an inviting route and a fitting gateway for pedestrians walking to Bluewaters.”
