The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC), the developer behind the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism project, has appointed ARCHIRODON to design and build a 1.2km iconic bridge, part of the 3.3km crossing to the main hub island, Shurayrah.
ARCHIRODON, a leading EPC global Group, will provide engineering, procurement and construction support to complete the building of Shurayrah Bridge. The bridge will stretch a total of 1.2km across the Red Sea, with two small 36m sections at each end of the crossing to allow for the movement of marine mammals.
“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,” said John Pagano, CEO of TRSDC.
Its design and construction methods meet TRSDC’s strict criteria for sustainable development. Sustainable measures include strict controls on the prevention of any sediment movement from piling activities with multiple monitoring buoys strategically sited to alert any breakthrough from surface booms. A precast yard for bridge sections will be established near the coast to minimize travel distances with concrete sourced from on-site batching plants.
Shurayrah Bridge will act as a gateway between the mainland and the luxury tourism destination’s picturesque archipelago
“ARCHIRODON matches our own commitment to pioneering a new relationship between luxury tourism and the natural environment. We are confident that they will deliver a bridge that is pioneering in its construction and design, whilst also meeting our high standards in sustainable development,” added Pagano.
Once completed, the bridge will connect Shurayrah Island to the mainland. The contract follows major marine enabling works carried out by ARCHIRODON across the development last year. These works have helped underpin the successful delivery of the project by providing a solid foundation to ensure the efficient movement of people, materials and equipment in and around the destination, while safeguarding the sensitive ecological environment.
The bridge will stretch a total of 1.2km across the Red Sea
Dennis Karapiperis, CEO of ARCHIRODON Group, said: “We are honored to be awarded a new contract by TRSDC, to be part of this prestigious development for Shurayrah Bridge, which will not only make this unique island destination accessible for visitors, but also have sustainable techniques embedded within every element of its design to ensure the delicate ecological environment is protected and even enhanced.
“Importantly, the bridge will be more than just a crossing point. It will be a journey that builds anticipation and excitement as guests travel across the bridge for the first time and see the wonders of Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast.”
Shurayrah Island is one of the 22 islands in an archipelago of more than 90 selected for development. The spectacular Coral Bloom design concept for Shurayrah, created by renowned British architects Foster + Partners, was recently revealed. It is heavily influenced by the island’s natural landscape, with hotels nestled amongst the dunes and bio-diversity taking center stage.