Pedestrian crossings in four Sharjah areas over weekend

Following a large number of complaints, the Sharjah Department of Public Works (SDPW) has started earmarking four zebra crossings to reduce run-over accidents and ensure the safety of residents.

The crossings are expected to be completed over this weekend.

The crossings will be marked on Al Mina Road near the area of hotels in Al Khan; Immigration Road towards Al Ittihad Road; Al Arouba Street near Cooperative Society in Al Khan area; and Al Qasba intersection towards Al Khan Bridge.

Imran Al Khumairi, spokesperson of the SDPW, said the project is aimed at ensuring the safety of pedestrians on these roads that are used to reach important areas. He added that the Sharjah Police had urged the department to carry out the project as these places are used daily by residents who risk their lives to cross the streets.

The department has already instructed the company marking the crossings to complete the work by this weekend.

Meanwhile, a number of residents have also urged the authorities to earmark pedestrian crossings before and after Expo Roundabout to allow easy access to the Expo Centre during events. Pedestrians have also requested a crossing at Al Taawun Mall due to the residential buildings on the other side of the road.

Mohammed Khair Omar, resident of Al Taawun, said, “It’s very dangerous to cross to the other side towards the Expo Centre as the traffic moves fast from the roundabout.”

Mahdi Al Amin said this area has witnessed a number of fatal run-over accidents in last few years. He has called on the authorities to provide pedestrian crossings.

An officer at the Traffic Department of Sharjah Police said the pedestrian crossings would reduce the number of run-over accidents in many areas, but in these four areas, they are very much needed as a large number of residents are risking their lives and some people have lost their lives crossing the roads.

afkarali@khaleejtimes.com