The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has announced the completion of seven new footbridges across different areas of the city. These footbridges aim to enhance pedestrian safety, support Dubai’s transformation into a bicycle-friendly city, and promote the overall well-being of residents and visitors.
One of the new footbridges connects Al Khaleej Street between the intersections of Omar Bin Khattab Street and Abu Bakr Al Siddique Street, near Dubai Hospital. Additionally, six more footbridges with a total length of 888 meters are currently under construction across the emirate. The design of these bridges incorporates aesthetic and innovative elements, as well as advanced electromechanical systems, alarms, firefighting equipment, and remote monitoring systems. The footbridges also feature dedicated bike tracks and racks.
Mattar Al Tayer, the Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, emphasized that the construction of these footbridges aligns with Dubai’s traffic safety strategy, which aims to make the city the safest in the world in terms of traffic safety. The goal is to reduce fatalities from accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists to zero by providing suitable infrastructure and safety measures.
Dubai has seen a significant increase in the number of footbridges over the years. From 13 footbridges in 2006, the total has grown to 129 by the end of last year. RTA plans to construct an additional 36 footbridges between 2021 and 2026, bringing the total number of pedestrian bridges to 165.
Al Tayer urged citizens, residents, and tourists to utilize footbridges and subways when crossing roadways. He also called on motorists to adhere to speed limits and slow down at pedestrian crossings, ensuring the safety of all road users.
The completion of these footbridges demonstrates Dubai’s commitment to enhancing pedestrian safety and creating a more accessible and sustainable urban environment.
