Dubai RTA Opens New Pedestrian Bridges to Enhance Safety and Walkability
<h3>Dubai RTA Expands Pedestrian Network with New Bridges on Sheikh Rashid and Al Mina Streets</h3><p><strong>Dubai, UAE</strong> – Dubai is taking a major step toward safer, more walkable streets with the inauguration of two new <strong>pedestrian bridges</strong> on <strong>Sheikh Rashid Street</strong> and <strong>Al Mina Street</strong>. The projects, part of the <strong>Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project</strong>, reinforce the emirate’s vision of becoming one of the world’s safest and most pedestrian-friendly cities.</p><p><strong>Expanding a Growing Network</strong><br>The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) confirmed that <strong>six additional pedestrian and cyclist bridges</strong> are under development, with <strong>five scheduled for completion by the end of 2025</strong> and the sixth by <strong>early 2027</strong>. By 2030, <strong>23 more bridges</strong> are planned, adding to a network that has expanded dramatically—from <strong>26 bridges in 2006</strong> to <strong>177 in 2024</strong>, representing a <strong>581% increase</strong>.</p><p><strong>Safety and Quality of Life at the Forefront</strong><br>Mattar Al Tayer, RTA Director General, emphasized that the bridges reflect Dubai’s leadership vision: “Our goal is to enhance road safety, provide a sustainable mobility environment, and transform Dubai into a pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly city. This also supports the city’s quality of life agenda.”</p><p>The bridges improve <strong>first- and last-mile connectivity</strong>, linking residential neighborhoods with public transport stations, tourist attractions, and business hubs, while encouraging sustainable commuting.</p><p><strong>Impact on Safety and Mobility</strong><br>RTA’s efforts are already yielding results:</p><p><strong>Pedestrian fatalities</strong> dropped from 9.5 per 100,000 people in 2007 to just 0.3 in 2024—a <strong>97% reduction</strong>.</p><p><strong>Pedestrian trips</strong> increased from 307 million in 2023 to 326 million in 2024 (<strong>6% growth</strong>).</p><p><strong>Cycling trips</strong> rose from 44 million in 2023 to 46.6 million in 2024 (<strong>5% growth</strong>).</p><p>These achievements highlight the effectiveness of Dubai’s <strong>Traffic Safety Strategy</strong>, which aims for <strong>Zero Fatalities</strong> while maintaining global best practices in design, construction, and accessibility.</p><p><strong>Details of the New Bridges</strong><br>The newly opened bridges are designed to <strong>international safety standards</strong> and feature modern amenities:</p><p><strong>Sheikh Rashid Street Bridge</strong>: 91 meters long</p><p><strong>Al Mina Street Bridge</strong>: 109 meters long</p><p>Both bridges: 3.4 meters wide, 6.5 meters high, equipped with lifts, staircases, fire alarms, firefighting systems, and remote monitoring rooms—ensuring accessibility for all, including people of determination.</p><p><strong>Upcoming Landmark Crossings</strong><br>Several ambitious pedestrian and cyclist bridges are under construction, combining functionality with iconic architectural designs:</p><p><strong>Sheikh Zayed Road Bridge (528m)</strong> and <strong>Al Khail Road Bridge (501m)</strong>: Linking Al Sufouh with Dubai Hills.</p><p><strong>Al Manara Street Bridge (45m)</strong>: Complementing the Al Quoz Creative Zone.</p><p><strong>Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road Bridge (554m)</strong>: Connecting Muhaisnah 1 and Al Twar.</p><p><strong>Dubai—Al Ain Road Bridge (730m)</strong>: Linking Wadi Al Safa 4 with Nadd Hessa.</p><p><strong>Al Sukook Street Bridge (44m)</strong>: Part of the Future Street Improvement Project in Dubai’s Central Business District, opening in 2027.</p><p>Nine additional pedestrian bridges are planned by 2028, including crossings near <strong>Coca-Cola Arena, Business Bay, Burj Khalifa</strong>, and six along <strong>Al Asayel Street</strong>.</p><p><strong>Smart, Safe, and Sustainable Features</strong><br>RTA bridges incorporate:</p><p>Electromechanical systems</p><p>Fire alarm and firefighting systems</p><p>Remote monitoring technology</p><p>Dedicated cycling paths and bike racks at select locations</p><p>These features ensure safety, convenience, and a culture of <strong>sustainable, active transportation</strong>.</p><p><strong>Vision Toward Zero Fatalities</strong><br>Al Tayer emphasized that the bridges are integral to Dubai’s <strong>Zero Fatalities strategy</strong>, enabling residents and visitors to cross busy roads safely. By investing in pedestrian infrastructure, Dubai is creating a <strong>more connected, sustainable, and livable city</strong>, where walking and cycling are central to urban mobility.</p><p><strong>Conclusion</strong><br>The opening of the Sheikh Rashid Street and Al Mina Street bridges marks another milestone in Dubai’s infrastructure journey. With dozens of projects underway, the RTA is not just building bridges—it is shaping a <strong>safer, greener, and more walkable future</strong>. By 2030, the planned 23 new pedestrian bridges will help Dubai become a <strong>global benchmark for urban walkability and road safety</strong>.</p>