1.2297108-2211242408
The design of the elevated walkway has been inspired by the urban nature of the area with a shape and colour that fit well with the surrounding buildings. Image Credit: RTA

Dubai: It’s getting easier to cross busy roads in the city. The Roads and Transport Authority, in keeping with the directives of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is to begin constructing three new footbridges in the emirate.

The move is aimed at enhancing traffic safety and making crossings safer for pedestrians.


“The project covers designing and constructing three pedestrian bridges to ensure safe pedestrian crossing. The bridges spread in three Dubai hotspots namely King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Street at the Marina, Khaled Bin Al Waleed Street near  Rif’aa Street intersection, and the Arabian Ranches Street near Al Asayel junction,” said  Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of  Roads and Transport Authority.


The pedestrian bridge on King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Street is the first of its kind in the region for it links four sides of a vital junction with the western street near the JBR and the entrance of the Marina.  The bridge, which will extend 65 metres, can accommodate 4,000 people per hour, and is expected to be completed in December 2019.


 “Pedestrians’ safety is a top priority in Roads and Transport Authority. Since inception. It has been keen on providing safe pedestrian crossing means. It has set several parameters for selecting the locations of these bridges such as the number of run-over accidents (black points), the intensity of traffic movement, the movement of people between the two sides of the street, and the distance to the nearest pedestrian crossing.

Factors dictating the construction of pedestrian bridges also include the locations of public transport stops, markets and shopping centres, public and private entities in addition to observations received from the Dubai Police and the public,” elaborated Al Tayer.

He called on citizens, residents and visitors to use pedestrian bridges and subways when crossing streets. He also called on motorists to observe the speed limits and slow-down at pedestrian crossings for their safety and the safety of road users.  

1.2297108-3700738246
Design of the pedestrian bridge at the Marina Image Credit: RTA
View gallery as list