Dubai: Four covered and air-conditioned footbridges for Dubai Tram users will be constructed to ensure pedestrian safety, a senior Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) official has said.
The Dubai Tram runs on a 14.6-km tram track, whose first phase will be operational on November 14, with stations serving communities in Al Sufouh, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai Marina, Dubai Media City and Knowledge Village.
RTA has awarded the contracts to construct two bridges over Al Sufouh Street to serve tram users and residents on both sides of the street, and the other two will link Tecom zone with the area on the opposite side of the street as well as Dubai Marina Mall.
“The construction of new projects stems from RTA’s keenness on improving and upgrading the main roads network in Dubai city, maintaining the safety of pedestrians, linking business and residential neighbourhoods, and minimising run-over accidents,” said Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of RTA.
“The RTA assigns paramount attention to road users, particularly pedestrians, and is keen on providing safe transit means for them while crossing roads,” he added.
Al Tayer said the position of the new bridges was based on traffic studies conducted in the area. The footbridges will also boast architectural design compatible with the designs of the tram coaches and stations.
Al Tayer stressed that commuters will find Dubai Tram services convenient as lifts, escalators, and slipways for wheelchairs will be incorporated in the design. RTA has so far constructed 94 pedestrian bridges, including footbridges of the Dubai Metro stations. Work is ongoing on the construction of 11 bridges, seven of which have been opened and the remaining four are set to open as early as next month.
According to RTA’s master plan for pedestrian bridges and traffic safety, the agency will release a tender for constructing seven pedestrian bridges this year.
