Dubai's new bridge to float next week

Dubai's long-awaited Floating Bridge is finally set to open next week, according to the Roads and Transport Authority. The RTA said its launch will coincide with the start of the city's first water bus service across Dubai Creek. Both the water buses and floating bridge are expected to ease traffic congestion on the bridges that cross the creek that runs through the centre of the city.

They will also provide much-needed alternatives to commuters wanting to avoid the RTA's controversial the Salik roll road on Sheikh Zayed Road between Garhoud Bridge and Mall of the Emirates. The 300 metre long, six-lane bridge - located between Al Maktoum and Al Garhoud Bridges - was originally meant to open in March, but was hit by delays.The RTA then said the bridge would be ready for the launch of Salik, but this deadline was also missed.The introduction of Salik has caused traffic on the already congested Al Maktoum Bridge to increase considerably, and has caused lengthy delays around Al Barsha and other residential areas as drivers attempted to use alternative routes to avoid the toll gates.The bridge will be open to traffic from 6am to 10pm, and then opened up after 10pm to allow ships to pass through, the RTA said. Source