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15 pedestrian bridges in Dubai by yearend

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is constructing 21 pedestrian bridges, 15 of which will be ready by the end of this year, to increase pedestrian mobility and reduce traffic accidents on Dubai roads.

The other six bridges will be completed next year.

Maitha bin Adai, CEO of the RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency, said reducing traffic accidents was one of the top priorities of the authority and pedestrian safety and mobility were part of that plan.

Besides, the RTA had carried out a study on the requirements through the project “Pedestrian Safety and Mobility Action Plan for Dubai”. “The project is aimed at increasing pedestrian mobility by 20 per cent and reduce pedestrian accidents by 30 per cent. As per the action plan, the RTA is constructing the pedestrian facilities in Dubai,” she said.

After the completion of the 21 pedestrian bridges, 17 more will be opened by the end of 2016, including those to be constructed on Aweer Road near Dragon Mart, Al Mina Road near Capitol Hotel, Baniyas Road near Dhow Wharfage, Baghdad Street near Women’s College, Al Maktoum Road near Automall, Amman Street near Sahara Centre, Al Rasheed Road, Damascus Road in the last portion before entering Sharjah and in many other strategic locations. “The list of these locations may vary based on the site conditions and current demand,” Adai said.

Of the 17 planned pedestrian bridges, the RTA is planning to complete the construction of seven by 2014-2015, and they are currently at the tendering stage. By 2015-2016, the RTA will construct the remaining ten.

The TRA CEO said the proposed locations of pedestrian bridges are based on Pedestrian Crossing Warrant Analysis and Pedestrian Demand Model comprising location land use, pedestrian accidents, speed limit of the road, pedestrian and traffic volumes, number of lanes, nearby public facilities and transport hubs, among others. -lily@khaleejtimes.com