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19 March 2024

Sharjah to get 5 pedestrian bridges soon

Published
By VM Sathish

Residents of Sharjah have welcomed the decision to complete five pedestrian bridges in the next few months.

The emirate of Sharjah will complete construction of three pedestrian bridges this year and two other bridges will be completed next year.

The new pedestrian bridges will link some of the busiest roads in the emirate.

According to Sulaiman Al Hajri, Director, Sharjah Transport Authority, three pedestrian bridges at Ithihad Road, King Abdul Azeez Road, and King Faisal Road will be completed in the current year. Bridge on Ethihad Road will link Al Tawn and Al Nahda areas of Sharjah. The pedestrian bridge at King Abdul Azees road will link Abu Dhaniq and Abu Shagara.

The Sharjah Urban Planning Council had earlier approved designs for the overhead pedestrian crossings in five strategic areas. Earlier, the Sharjah Urban Planning Council had decided to build five pedestrian bridges in Sharjah and the locations were selected on the basis studies conducted by the agency for road traffic density, rate of accidents, number of pedestrians, walking distance to the nearest public transport stations and the surrounding markets and institutions.

“It is a very good development for the residents and people who visit shopping malls from one side of the road to another,” said a resident of Al Nahda area of Sharjah.

Sharjah Police recently conducted a pedestrian safety campaign and fined 390 jaywalkers. Work is also progressing to build fences on busy roads and highways in Sharjah.

Sharjah Police have spread awareness campaign pamphlets in different languages to prevent pedestrian deaths in the emirate. According to Sharjah Police data, 239 run-over accidents were reported in Sharjah in 2015, resulting in 33 deaths.

Through awareness campaigns and strict monitoring the number has come down, but the completion of three pedestrian crossing this year will further reduce that number.

Crossing roads from undesignated area is a crime punishable by UAE Traffic Law. “Building new pedestrian bridges is a welcome step. I hope people will use pedestrian bridges and stop risking their life by crossing busy roads and threatening not only their lives, but the lives of the motorists too,” said a resident of Ansar Mall area.  

The bridges will be provided with elevators and shaded walkways to make them accessible to elders, special needs and safe crossing for all category of people.