Abu Dhabi: Pedestrians in the capital can soon enjoy the use of modern elevators at a number of pedestrian bridges, an official said.
A proposal to install elevators for easier access to overhead bridges was first considered recently as part of work under the Al Salam Street projects in the Tourist Club area near the city centre.
The Al Salam Street projects, announced by Abu Dhabi Municipality (ADM), envisage the upgradation of road infrastructure in an area stretching from Al Salam Street up to the Eastern Ring Road.
Engineer Eisa Mubarak Al Mazroui, Infrastructure and Service Coordination division manager at ADM, said: "The first stage of the project comprises the installation of modern elevators on three bridges located opposite Abu Dhabi Mall, Le Meridien and Khalifa Complex building at Street No 10. This is aimed at encouraging people to use the bridges for their own safety as well as to help children, the elderly and people with special needs,"
The initiative falls within ADM's strategy to reduce road accidents and enhance the standards of pedestrian security and safety. "The installation of elevators is expected to be completed by the end of the third quarter of this year," he said.
Al Salam Street Projects are in line with Plan Abu Dhabi 2030 - the long-term vision committed to fostering the economic and social development of the capital in coordination with the higher traffic committee.
The projects will pave the way for the creation of a freeway and a series of tunnels, surface roadways and junctions that will run along Al Salam Street leading to Mina Road and will ease traffic and significantly reduce travel time.
What is the biggest problem you face as a pedestrian? Are you satisfied with the facilities provided? How can people be discouraged from jaywalking?
Your comments
Forget the modern elevators all cities should have overhead pedestrian bridges which is a MUST on roads which don't have a zebra crossing, to avoid people being killed and causing problem for others. This will even avoid jaywalking. Everyday in the papers there is a news of people being killed by cars. I just don't like to hear and read this type of news. Why can't there be just normal bridges for people to walk across? Why do people have to suffer losses?
From A Reader
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 14, 2009, 11:00
I believe that this will be very useful for all pedestrians knowing the rather reckless behavior I have experienced while crossing the road. If I were living in Abu Dhabi, walking to school would have been much easier too. I support the government in taking initiatives like this because it not only keeps pedestrians safe, but it encourages walking too.
Tuahaa Soomro
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: July 14, 2009, 10:42
