Rain impact: Chaos as traffic signals stop working on some UAE roads

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UAE roads, Rain, Ras Al Khaimah, Chaos, traffic signals
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Ras Al Khaimah - Motorists are advised to be careful, reduce speed and take alternative roads.

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Published: Wed 20 Nov 2019, 10:51 AM

Last updated: Wed 20 Nov 2019, 4:22 PM

Traffic lights have reportedly stopped working on some roads in Ras Al Khaimah following heavy showers.
The dysfunctional traffic lights have triggered chaos, mainly on some busy roads, according to eye witnesses.
However, the RAK police immediately responded to the situation.
"The traffic lights on some arterial intersections went out of order, and maintenance is underway," they said.
RAK police advised motorists to be careful, reduce speed and take alternative roads.
"Big ponds of water have reportedly accumulated under the Cove Rotana bridge and at several roundabouts in the emirate," the RAK police warned.
Late on Tuesday, the RAK police closed the road to Jebel Jais, and urged the public to avoid the valleys and mountainous areas.
Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works has started replacing seven old traffic lights with new ones.
"The new traffic signals are water resistant and are not affected by heavy showers," Eng Ahmad Al Hammadi, Director General of the Department, said.
The move is in response to repetitive reports of traffic lights failure, particularly during seasonal showers, he added.
"The new traffic lights are spectacularly decorated, and contain beautiful photos and Arabic letters."
The traffic lights under development have to be turned off for two to three days, he added.
"The sophisticated digital traffic lights are fully automatic and consists of better electric cables."
The lights also consist of high definition LED screens that are much better than those used before, Eng Hammadi pointed out.
"The new traffic lights are covered with aluminum covers for more protection against weather conditions, mainly scorching temperature."
"The new traffic lights are all to be installed and operated by December 9, 2019," he added.
"These include five traffic lights at Al Nakheel area; spanning four on Al Montasir road, one on RAK Expo intersection, one on Al Maamura intersection, one at the Ameri Court, and one under the Cove Rotana bridge on the Sheikh Mohammed bin Salem road."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com
 


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