Dubai: All left turns and U-turns along the tramway, which were closed down after its opening more than a year ago, will be reopened gradually, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced on Sunday.
The first of the five turns that are set to open are the left and U-turns at the intersection of Al Sayora and Al Safouh roads in JBR on Wednesday, March 2. The intersection is also used by Dubai Tram.
Hussain Al Banna, director of Traffic at RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency, said the move “follows the charting of a comprehensive plan for ‘zero accidents’ in this vital area, especially following the operation of the Dubai Tram, and since the road users have become accustomed to the existence of the tram”.
RTA plans to open left/U-turns at four other intersections along the tramway on two separate dates this year.
“There is a plan to re-open the turn at the intersections of Al Sayora-Marina roads, Al Safouh-Marina roads as well as the Marina and Al Shurta roads on June 1, and on September 1 we will re-open the turn at the intersection of Al Safouh-Al Gharbi roads,” he added.
He explained that the RTA is constantly restructuring and revamping its plans and strategies for roads in the emirate in keeping with the needs of road users under the vision of providing safe and smooth transport for all.
He said that the main reason to close down these turns following the inauguration of the tram was to offer a chance for motorists to acquaint themselves with the movement of the tram in this area.
“The re-opening of these turns is based on a preventive plan to fend off accidents and maintain the safety of the tram as well as motorists. The plan will be subjected to three months’ monitoring and additional measures will be taken accordingly, if needed. All road users will have to abide by traffic and driving rules, and pay attention to traffic lights to avoid any serious accidents,” said Al Banna.
He said that the RTA has set up a committee under the leadership of an international consultant to draw up a comprehensive plan to realise the Tram/Roads Safety Strategy.
“Under the plan, several preventive measures have been set to eliminate potential accidents between the tram and vehicles in connection with turns at Al Sayora-Al Safouh Road intersection at JBR, and along the track’s 10.6km long tramway.
According to Al Banna, RTA has introduced a feature in the traffic signalling system where all traffic lights will turn red once the tram approaches the junction.
Surveillance cameras have been installed to monitor all vehicles jumping the red signals. An awareness campaign is being undertaken in this regard and a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the RTA and Dubai Police to ensure the safe use of these turns.
“Dubai Tram has got sophisticated technologies to warn the tram drivers in case ofspeeding, and the tram speed will automatically be reduced in case of no response from the driver. The tram operator has a code of conduct, which is enforced in case a tram driver commits multiple offences, posing a risk to road users,” he added.
Dubai Tram was introduced in November 2014 and since then only a handful of minor accidents involving trams have been reported.
