RTA starts building 13 new pedestrian bridges

Maitha bin Udai, Executive Director of the Traffic & Roads Agency, Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), announced the start of construction works in 13 new footbridges out 31 bridges intended to be constructed by the agency over the next five years.

"RTA has opened two pedestrian bridges this year; the first one in Abu Baker Al Siddique Road, and the other in Emirates Hills. During the past two years, RTA opened many other footbridges in Khalid bin Al Waleed, Al Mankhool, Bani Yas, Damascus, Al Rasheed, and Al Rabat Roads in addition to Abu Baker Al Siddique Road,” said Maitha.

"Pedestrian bridges currently being constructed by the agency in various districts of Dubai, include two on Emirates Road; one near the fruit and vegetables market and the other near workers’ accommodation at Al Awir. Others are in Al Mina, Sheikh Rashid, Umm Suqeim, Al Wuhaidah, Amman, Latifa bint Hamdan, Abu Baker Al Siddique and Al Khaleej Roads.

"The agency is also trying to curb pedestrian accidents through awareness campaigns, particularly targeting students. The key problem facing traffic awareness champions is that many people, especially labourers, are unaware of traffic safety rules, thus the key challenge lies in educating them on the importance of using pedestrian crossings, tunnels and bridges to avoid run-over accidents. RTA is always running awareness campaigns focusing on working class areas such as Jebel Ali, Al Qouz and Sonapur,” said Maitha.

The total number of pedestrian bridges constructed in Dubai reached 74 by the end of last year, and the number is set to touch 105 by 2016.

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