The developer of Saudi luxury destination, The Red Sea Project, has appointed global engineering, procurement and construction contractor Archirodon to design and build a 1.2-kilometre long iconic bridge across the Red Sea as part of a 3.3-kilometre crossing to the project's main hub island, Shurayrah. 

Shurayrah Island is one of the 22 islands in an archipelago of more than 90 selected for development and will house the Coral Bloom design master plan created by Foster + Partners. 

The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC) said in a press statement that the Shurayrah bridge will stretch across the Red Sea, with two small 36-metre sections at each end of the crossing to allow for movement of marine mammals. 

Once completed, the bridge will connect Shurayrah Island to the mainland, the statement said. 

TRSDC CEO John Pagano said: “Shurayrah Bridge will become one of the main access points for guests onto the island, and its completion will mark a major undertaking in the development of the destination. Its construction is truly monumental as not only will the bridge be the very first connection to the islands, its construction will demonstrate our ability to accomplish huge feats of engineering whilst also protecting and enhancing the natural habitat.” 

To meet TRSDC’s strict criteria for sustainable development, the statement noted, strict controls would be enforced for the prevention of sediment movement from piling activities with multiple monitoring buoys to raise alert any breakthrough from surface booms. Additionally, the company will establish a precast yard for bridge sections near the coast to minimise travel distances with concrete sourced from on-site batching plants. 

The bridge contract follows major marine enabling works carried out by the contractor across the development in 2020, the statement said. 

Archirodon CEO Dennis Karapiperis said the Shurayrah Bridge will have sustainable techniques embedded within every element of its design to ensure the delicate ecological environment is protected and even enhanced. 

On Monday, Zawya had reported that TRSDC is planning to release a major package for the terminal buildings of its upcoming international airport. 

(Writing by SA Kader; Editing by Anoop Menon)  

(anoop.menon@refinitiv.com) 

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The content does not provide tax, legal or investment advice or opinion regarding the suitability, value or profitability of any particular security, portfolio or investment strategy. Read our full disclaimer policy here.

© ZAWYA 2021