Abu Dhabi has awarded the two main construction contracts for the crossing that will connect Al-Reem Island, Umm Lafina Island and the rest of Abu Dhabi.

Italy’s Salini Impregilo has been awarded an estimated AED750m ($204m) contract for the construction of 4 kilometres of bridges connecting the south side of Umm Lafina Island with Sheikh Zayed Road.

The local Ghantoot Transport & General Contracting has been awarded a AED400m contract for the construction of 6.5km of bridges with three lanes in each direction starting from Reem Island and passing through Umm Lafina Island.

Arch-shaped concrete tiles will be used to preserve the environment, ensure the flow of water, reduce bad effects on mangroves trees, and enhance the navigation of traffic in the area. The crossing will also include pedestrian and cycling lanes.

The consultant is the local office of Australia-based Aurecon Group. Abu Dhabi General Services Company (Musanada) managed the tender.

The Umm Lafina crossing scheme had been tendered before. In 2010, Abu Dhabi’s Department of Transport (DoT) received bids from 14 contractors. The tender was cancelled in December 2011 and bid bonds were returned to the bidders.

Umm Lafina Island is located near Reem Island and Saadiyat Island. The bridges will open up Umm Lafina Island for real estate development. In 2008 and 2009, local developer Tasameem Real Estate prepared plans for the island that include residential, leisure, hotel and commercial buildings.

Other parts of the 5-square-kilometre masterplan includes a water park, a shopping mall and other tourist attractions.

Abu Dhabi is widely expected to start work on several key new infrastructure projects in the next few years as work is completed on the Midfield Terminal Complex at Abu Dhabi International airport and the Barakah nuclear project. The largest planned schemes include the second phase of Etihad Rail that will connect Abu Dhabi with Dubai, and the proposed Abu Dhabi Metro/Light Rail.

According to regional projects tracker MEED Projects there are $63bn of projects under construction in Abu Dhabi across all sectors.