Roads shut along tram track will be reopened

Dubai - Decision comes as road users have been accustomed to movement of the tram, says official

Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that it would re-open the left and U-turns at the intersections of Al Marsa-Al Sayora Streets, Al Marsa-Al Sufouh Streets, and Al Marsa-Al Shurta Streets at the Dubai Marina along the track of the Dubai Tram.
The step is being taken after ensuring that road users had been accustomed to the existence and movement of the tram, and the success of the opening of left and U-turns at the intersection of Al Sayora-Al Sufouh Streets at the JBR on March 2nd.
"We have set up a committee to draw up a comprehensive plan to realise the Tram/Roads Safety Strategy. The plan encompasses organisational procedures encapsulated in 15 strategic recommendations integrated in a 5-Year Plan covering programmes, procedures and initiatives to be undertaken in collaboration with strategic partners to achieve zero accidents level in the operation of the Dubai Tram by 2020," said Engineer Maitha bin Adai, CEO of RTA's Traffic and Roads Agency.
"Under the plan several preventive measures have been set to eliminate potential accidents between the tram and vehicles due to turns at the intersection of Al Marsa Street with Al Sayora, Al Sufouh and Al Shurta Streets at the Dubai Marina, and along the track of the tram extending 10.6 km."
Bin Adai noted that RTA has introduced a feature in the traffic light signaling system whereby all light signals will turn red once the tram approaches the junction, and noted that surveillance cameras are being installed to monitor all vehicles jumping the red signals in coordination with the General Department of Traffic at the Dubai Police.
Additionally, awareness campaigns are being undertaken and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the RTA and the Dubai Police to ensure the safe use of these turns. The tram itself includes technologies designed to alert the tram driver in case of over-speeding, and the tram speed will automatically be reduced in case of no response from the driver. The tram operator has a code of conduct which will be enforced in case a tram driver commits multiple offences posing risk to road users.
"Among the key factors underlying the closure of these turns is to offer a chance for motorists to acquaint themselves with the movement of the tram in this area, and maintain the safety of tram riders as well as all road users. The re-opening of these turns will be subjected to monitoring for three months, and additional measures will be taken accordingly, if needed. All road users are required to abide by traffic and driving rules, and pay attention to light signals to avoid serious accidents," said Bin Adai.
"The opening of these turns follows the successful completion of the first stage relating to the opening of left & U-turns at the intersection of Al Sayora-Al Sufouh Streets at the JBR last March.
Early September 2016 the U-turns at the intersection of Al Sufouh-Al Gharbi Streets will be opened. The RTA is revamping its plans & strategies for roads in the Emirate in keeping with the needs of road users under the vision of providing Safe and Sooth Transport for All"
reporters@khaleejtimes.com

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