New 4-way footbridge opens at Dubai Marina junction
DUBAI, September 20, 2020
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) yesterday (September 19) opened a four-directional pedestrian bridge, considered the first of its kind in the emirate.
Located at the intersection of King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Street with Al Gharbi Street at the entrance of Dubai Marina (nearby the JBR), the bridge has four escalators linking the four sides of the junction.
The bridge boasts of a unique design echoing the urban architecture of the neighbourhood and coastal areas. It stretches 75 m and handles about 8,000 people per hour in all directions.
"The construction of these bridges are part of Dubai's traffic safety strategy for being ranked amongst the world’s safest cities in traffic safety by 2021," remarked RTA Director-General and Chairman Mattar Al Tayer.
"This pedestrian bridge features an iconic architectural design that adds to the appeal of Dubai Marina area, a key destination for visitors and sea-goers that offers a unique experience for residents and visitors of Dubai," he said.
"The design of the bridge frontage is inspired by the urban nature of the area with a shape and colour that fits well with the pattern of surrounding buildings. The curved shape of the bridge emulates the coastal areas in great harmony with the neighbourhood," explained Al Tayer.
The bridge enables pedestrians to move freely between the four sides of the junction, thus avoiding any stop at light signals. Some footbridges ave also been fitted with bike racks and cycling lanes, he added.
Al Tayer said constructing a footbridge of this magnitude at the Marina had been prompted by a host of considerations.
"The junction is used by as much as 2,300 people and 2,000 vehicles during peak hours in each direction. More than 1,000 people cross the junction to head to the JBR during weekends. Moreover, Dubai Tram crosses the intersection every six minutes," he stated.
"The area accommodates two tram stations and one bus stop, and there are no pedestrian crossings nearby," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
