Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Gulf News
It should be ready by the end of September for residents near Al Wahda Street
Pedestrian Crossing at Al Wahda Street
Sharjah A new pedestrian crossing near the bridge on Al Wahda Street will be ready in three months to cater to the demands of residents.
An official at the Sharjah Directorate of Public Works (DPW) said that pedestrians will soon be able to cross the popular road hassle-free. Al Wahda Street is located in the middle of a number of supermarkets, furniture shops and residential buildings.
“The people will be able to cross safely between the two areas using a pedestrian underpass which is under construction now, and should be in operation by the end of September this year,” said the official.
Since Al Wahda Street re-opened to the public in the first week of May, residents said they are already facing a dilemma when crossing the busy road. “Authorities will have to look at people who are staying beside the newly opened road, because there is no pedestrian crossing between City Centre and Ramiz Showroom.
Road dividers
“So the people who want to cross the road have to jump the road dividers,” said Sreekanth S., a resident.
When contacted by Gulf News, police also emphasised that there is a great need for a pedestrian crossing because the road is a busy one, particularly during rush hour, creating a hazard for pedestrians.
“LuLu Supermarket seems to be a very popular place in that neighbourhood, and there are dozens of people who cross over the road divider. This practice is very dangerous because people run while there is oncoming traffic, and this can lead to many accidents. But in the meantime, motorists should be careful when driving and not to speed, because they have to be prepared to slow down when someone runs in front of their vehicle,” said Lieutenant Colonel Ahmad Bin Darwish, Head of Anjad Patrols Section at Sharjah Police.
Another main concern for residents is the lack of pedestrian crossings on Al Ittihad Road, as many hit-and-runs have been reported in front of Al Ansar Mall.
However, the official at the directorate of Public Works replied that the construction of a pedestrian bridge near the shopping mall is under study, “and the public will be informed when we proceed with the construction.”
AHMED RAMZAN/Gulf News
Danger zone
A pedestrian crosses the road near bridge on Al Wahda Street in Sharjah. Sharjah Police have warned that dangerous jaywalking can lead to serious accidents.
Authorities will have to look at people who are staying beside the newly opened road, because there is no pedestrian crossing between City Centre and Ramiz Showroom.”
Sreekanth S.
Resident of area near Al Wahda Street
Have your say
Have you had any frightening experiences while crossing Al Wahda Street? Do you know of other areas with similar problems? Tell us at ?readers@gulfnews.com
By Mariam M. Al Serkal?Staff Reporter
Gulf News 2010. All rights reserved.
