Al Nahda to get pedestrian bridge

Here’s some good news for residents of Al Nahda. Dangerously dodging speeding cars to reach the other side of the road will soon be a thing of the past.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is planning to build a pedestrian bridge on Amman Street to help residents cross-over safely.

Located on the Dubai-Sharjah border, Al Nahda is a popular crossover point for commuters from either side of the emirate, as recently highlighted by Emirates24|7. Read: Nahda residents risk life, Dh200 fine to avoid Dh20 cab fare

Speaking to Emirates24|7, Maitha bin Adai, CEO,Traffic and Roads Agency (TRA), RTA, said: “Plans are in process by RTA to construct a pedestrian bridge on Amman Street in Al Nahda area, opposite Sahara Centre.

“The plan also includes the construction of several pedestrian bridges all over Dubai in key locations with high pedestrian volumes.”

Although Dubai Police issues a Dh200 penalty for jaywalkers in the area, residents felt the solution lied in putting zebra crossing or pedestrian over-bridge.

Currently, there is a zebra crossing at the signal near NMC Hospital, but commuters complained that it was a good 10-15 minute walk away from the Sahara Centre point.

In July, the RTA had released its plans to construct 19 pedestrian bridges in various parts of Dubai. The project, which will be phased out and completed in 2016, will take the total number of bridges to 120.

In a press statement, the RTA had stated that the 10 pedestrian bridges, to be completed in 2015-16, will be built at a cost of Dh40million.

Two pedestrian bridges will be constructed at Bani Yas Street; the first will be near the premises of the Dubai Department of Land, and the second will be near the Dubai Municipality premises.

One bridge will be constructed at each of the following streets - Khalid bin Al Waleed Street (near Rifaa-Saadiyat Intersection), Al Nahda Street (nearby Al Tawar Center), Al Ittihad Street (nearby Dnata), Al Maraabi Street (Road 323), Al Mankhool Street, Latifa bint Hamdan Street (near Al Khail Mall), Al Ribat Street (near Bel Remaitha Club), and the Dubai-Al Ain Road (near Skycourts complex).

RTA Chairman and Executive Director has called on citizens, residents and visitors to use the bridges and subways designated for crossing roads, and urged motorists to abide by the specific speed limits and to slow down at pedestrian crossing points for their own safety and the safety of road users.

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