RTA to construct air-conditioned footbridges
Tram users and residents will be provided footbridges by the RTA for ease of transport
UAE’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) recently announced the approval of a plan which involves the construction of four air-conditioned footbridges for tram users.
Two bridges over Al Sufouh Street, and two others linking Tecom with the other side of the street – near Dubai Marina mall – will be built to serve tram users and residents.
“All of these new bridges will be covered, air-conditioned and fitted with electric elevators/escalators,” Mattar Al Tayer, chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA.
“Attention has also been made to offer high levels of convenience to users through the installation of lifts and slipways for wheelchairs users among special needs and seniors
“The RTA has so far constructed 94 pedestrian bridges, including footbridges of the Dubai Metro stations. Work is up-and-running in the construction of 11 bridges, seven of which have been opened and the remaining four are set for opening as early as next month. According to its master plan for pedestrian bridges and traffic safety, the RTA will release a tender for constructing seven pedestrian bridges this year,” added Al Tayer.
Last year, the RTA approved a plan that covers the construction of 17 pedestrian bridges between 2013 and 2016 across the emirate. The first phase includes the construction of nine bridges between 2013 and 2014, such as footbridges at Baniyas Road, a bridge at each end of Damascus Road, Al Mina Road, Baghdad Road, Al Maktoum Road, Al Khawaneej Road, Al Khail Road (near Al Quoz Industrial area), and a bridge near Emirates Towers.
The RTA last year approved a plan for constructing 17 pedestrian bridges in 2013-2016 spanning various vital locations in Dubai. In the initial stage (2013-2014), nine bridges will be constructed costing about Dh45 million. The bridges spread over a number of vital areas — two footbridges at Bani Yas Road (one near the building of the Dubai Municipality), and a bridge at each of Damascus Road (near the Public Library), Al Mina Road, Baghdad Road, Al Maktoum Road, Al Khawaneej Road (near Arabian Centre), Al Khail Road (near Al Qouz Industrial Area), and a bridge near Emirates Towers.
The second phase (2015–2016) of construction will involve eight footbridges across key locations, such as Al Awir Road, and one bridge at each of Amman, Meydan, Damascus, Al Khawaneej, Al Quds and Doha Roads, said a report by local daily Khaleej Times.
